The Asian markets made a mixed closing on Wednesday ahead of the announcement of the Federal Reserve’s latest monetary policy decision later in the day. Chinese and Hong Kong markets extended recent gains on stimulus hopes. While, the Chinese shares hit a seven-year high, Hang Seng markets rose by almost a percent. China has reduced its benchmark lending rate twice since November and lowered reserve requirements for banks in February, there are speculations that the central bank will cut both further this year. On the Same time the Japanese market gained on optimism about increased shareholder returns on hopes for an economic recovery. As per the latest data the nation’s exports rose more than predicted in February compared with the previous year, while imports unexpectedly declined.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,577.30 | 74.45 | 2.13 |
Hang Seng | 24,120.08 | 218.59 | 0.91 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,413.15 | -26.00 | -0.48 |
KLSE Composite | 1,797.57 | 9.70 | 0.54 |
Nikkei 225 | 19,544.48 | 107.48 | 0.55 |
Straits Times | 3,361.75 | -8.20 | -0.24 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,028.45 | -1.46 | -0.07 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,653.43 | 113.99 | 1.19 |