By Aditya Soni
    Sept 8 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets ended
on a cautious note in lacklustre trade on Friday ahead of the
release of China's inflation data on Saturday.
    The inflation rate in the world's second largest economy is
expected to have picked up to 1.6 percent year-on-year in August
from 1.4 percent in the previous month, which would be the first
uptick in four months.
    "After a week full of uncertainties, investors might be
exercising caution before the release of China CPI data that
could further impact the market," said Fiorenzo Jesus, an
analyst with RCBC Securities.
    Data released earlier in the day showed China's August
imports grew at a better-than-expected pace of 13.3 percent from
a year earlier, while exports rose 5.5 percent, roughly in line
with expectations.
    Indonesian shares rose 0.4 percent to their highest
close in a week, but fell 0.1 percent on the week.
    Consumer discretionary stocks led the gains on Friday with
Astra International Tbk PT rising 2.3 percent while
Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk PT gained 1.9 percent to
its highest close in two weeks.
    Thai shares rose as much as 0.9 percent to their
highest since May 2013 before trimming gains to close slightly
higher. They closed at their highest in more than four years and
posted their fourth straight weekly gain.
    Financials led the rise with Kasikornbank PCL
rising 1.5 percent to its highest close in more than 2 years,
while Siam Commercial Bank PCL gained 1 percent.
    Malaysian shares closed down 0.2 percent with IHH
Healthcare Bhd falling 2 percent to its lowest close
since July 4. 
    The stock index gained for a second consecutive week, adding
0.4 percent.
    Singapore shares were up marginally on Friday but
fell 1.5 percent this week, snapping two straight weekly gain. 
    Philippine shares closed flat, gaining 0.81 percent
for the week. 
    Vietnam shares extended gains into a seventh session,
and added 1.6 percent in their third straight weekly rise. 
    
    
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SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS: Change on Day
  Market           Current       previous     Pct Move
                                 close        
  Singapore        3228.56       3228.06      0.02
  Bangkok          1635.61       1632.66      0.18
  Manila           8022.75       8022.98      0.00
  Jakarta          5857.119      5832.311     0.43
  Kuala Lumpur     1779.9        1782.98      -0.17
 Ho Chi Minh       801.2         796.72       0.56
                                              
  Change so far                               
 this year                                    
  Market           Current       End 2016     Pct Move
  Singapore        3228.56       2880.76      12.07
  Bangkok          1635.61       1542.94      6.01
  Manila           8022.75       6840.64      17.28
  Jakarta          5857.119      5296.711     10.58
  Kuala Lumpur     1779.9        1641.73      8.42
 Ho Chi Minh       801.2         664.87       20.50
 
 (Reporting by Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu
Sahu)