Australian shares rose on Friday after a 10% slump over the past two sessions as the government signalled a second round of stimulus spending, furthering a worldwide effort to fight the coronavirus pandemic that has stalled global growth.
As of 0112 GMT, the S&P/ASX 200 index <.AXJO> rose 146.8 points, or 3.1%, to 4,935. The benchmark, however, was set to drop more than 10% for a second straight week.
The big banks powered most of the benchmark's gains, with Westpac Banking Corp <WBC.AX> and National Australia Bank <NAB.AX> adding more than 9% each, while Commonwealth Bank of Australia <CBA.AX> gained 5%.
Australian banks said they will defer loan repayments for small businesses impacted by coronavirus for six months.
The government is likely to unveil a second stimulus package within days, sources familiar with the plan told Reuters, and while its size is yet to be determined, Australian media reported it could be worth around 3%-4% of Australia's A$2 trillion economy.
On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of Australia slashed interest rates further and embarked on a quantitative easing programme for the first time.
"Further fiscal stimulus will improve impact, but a downturn won't be avoided," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note.
A Reuters poll showed economists believe the global economy is already in a recession as the hit to activity from the coronavirus pandemic has become more widespread.
A rebound in oil prices on the day helped lift energy stocks <.AXEJ>, which have been battered this month following an oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. [O/R]
Oil Search <OSH.AX> and Santos Ltd <WOR.AX> climbed more than 8% each.
In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index <.NZ50> dipped 0.2% to 9,097.17, and was set for its second consecutive week of sharp losses.
Flag carrier Air New Zealand sunk as much as 40.3%, suffering its worst intraday session in more than 18 years. This was despite New Zealand authorities announcing a $514 million lifeline for the airline.
Helping offset the losses was a 11.8% rise in Synlait Milk <SML.NZ> and a2 Milk Company's <ATM.NZ> 5.6% gain.
(Reporting by A K Pranav in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
