The city-state's overall unemployment rate edged up to 2.3 percent in the first quarter, rising to rates last seen in the fourth quarter of 2009, preliminary data from the Ministry of Manpower showed on Friday. Indonesian shares closed down 0.4 percent in their second straight losing session. Perusahaan Gas Negara was down 1.6 percent, while Adaro Energy declined 3.5 percent.
An index of the nation's 45 most liquid stocks gained 2.1 percent on the month. Malaysian shares were largely flat, with net foreign buying to the tune of 934.2 million in the session. In its fifth straight month of gains, Malaysia added 1.6 percent on the month. Vietnam shares added 0.2 percent, but still recorded a 0.6 percent loss on the month after two straight months of gains. Thai shares were little changed and posted a monthly loss of 0.7 percent, as Siam Cement and Airport of Thailand lost over a percent each in the session. The Philippine market was closed for a special holiday.