Most of the Asian equity indices were modestly higher on Wednesday as encouraging Chinese manufacturing data tempered concerns over downbeat US economic reports, while earnings disappointments in Japan capped stocks there. Meanwhile, Taiwan stocks ended 0.43 percent higher, lifted by HTC Corp and defensive plays such as transportation and biotech. While, the Nikkei average held on to recent gains, edging up for the second session and brushing off worse-than-expected earnings from blue chips.
However, Hong Kong shares declined, dragged by weak Chinese banks after new loan growth in January cited in mainland media lagged figures reported earlier. China shares closed down 1.1 percent on Wednesday, led by large-cap shares, with investor sentiment weak.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,268.08 | -24.53 | -1.07 |
Hang Seng | 20,333.37 | -57.12 | -0.28 |
Jakarta Composite | 3,964.98 | 23.28 | 0.59 |
Nikkei 225 | 8,809.79 | 7.28 | 0.08 |
Straits Times | 2,904.76 | -1.93 | -0.07 |
Seoul Composite | 1,959.24 | 3.45 | 0.18 |
Taiwan Weighted | 7,549.21 | 32.13 | 0.43 |