Most Southeast Asia stocks up as oil rises

Southeast Asian markets ended largely up on Thursday, as oil prices rose on concerns over Venezuela's stability and firming demand in Asia, but Philippine shares extended losses to a sixth straight session.

Escalating protests in Venezuela against the rule of President Nicolas Maduro boosted oil prices, but doubts over Opec's ability to organise a coordinated production cut continued to weigh on markets.

In Asia, South Korea's S-Oil Corp said on Thursday that it expected refinery demand to rise in the region.

The Philippine index extended losses for a sixth session to close 0.7% down, led by financials and consumer staples.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is visiting US-ally Japan, said on Thursday there would be no more war games with the United States and again gave vent to his anger against Washington.

Philippine property developer SM Prime Holdings was among the top losers on the index, falling nearly 2%.

Branded food products company Universal Robina Corp  fell more than 2%, posting its biggest intraday percentage loss, in more than eight weeks.

Indonesian stocks rose 0.3%, with trading volumes nearly five times the 30-day average, boosted by financials and telecommunication services.

Index heavyweights Telekomunikasi Indonesia and Bank Mandiri were among the top gainers, both recording biggest intraday percentage gains in close to two weeks.

"Telekomunikasi Indonesia's earnings continue to give positive surprise... valuation remains attractive compared with regional telecommunication rivals," financial services company Mandiri Sekuritas said in a note.

Singapore ended flat, while Vietnam rose.