Most of the Asian equity benchmarks are trading higher on Wednesday, with investors reacting positively to corporate quarterly earnings reports from the region. A stronger dollar and some upbeat earnings reports contributed to the market's gains. However, the mood is somewhat cautious with investors looking ahead to the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy statement, due later in the day. The investors are also watching the developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. On the regional front, the Japanese market rebounded after a firm start and a subsequent retreat. In the economy news, industrial output in Japan dipped 3.3 percent on month in June that was well shy of forecasts for a decline of 1.2 percent following the 0.7 percent increase in May. Among other markets in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea are trading notably higher. Malaysia is modestly higher, while Singapore, Shanghai and Indonesia are trading weak.
Nikkei 225 gained 33.50 points or 0.21% to 15,651.57, Hang Seng strengthened by 185.16 points or 0.75% to 24,825.69, KOSPI Index increased 24.08 points or 1.17% to 2,086.05, FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI spurted by 3.46 points or 0.18% to 1,880.80 and Taiwan Weighted was up by 29.42 points or 0.31% to 9,421.30.
On the flip side, Straits Times dipped 5.08 points or 0.15% to 3,351.00, Jakarta Composite dropped by 9.84 points or 0.19% to 5,088.80 and Shanghai Composite was down by 2.80 points or 0.13% to 2,180.39.
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