Asian markets made a negative close on Wednesday, with some of the indices in the region extending the longest selloff since June, following the overnight decline in US markets on doubts over central banks' willingness or ability to boost growth through ultra-easy monetary policies. Slight gain in crude too was unable to give any support to the markets. Crude oil rose 0.5 percent to $45.11 a barrel in New York following a 3 percent plunge in the last session. Japanese market was dragged down by banks on a report that the Bank of Japan plans to make its controversial negative interest rate policy the centerpiece of future monetary easing. However, Australian shares rose modestly as gains among financials outweighed declines in the mining and energy sectors. South Korean markets were closed for a national holiday.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,002.85 | -20.66 | -0.68 |
Hang Seng | 23,190.64 | -25.12 | -0.11 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,146.04 | -69.53 | -1.33 |
KLSE Composite | 1,661.39 | -15.79 | -0.94 |
Nikkei 225 | 16,614.24 | -114.80 | -0.69 |
Straits Times | 2,809.35 | -9.03 | -0.32 |
KOSPI Composite |
|
|
|
Taiwan Weighted | 8,902.30 | -38.53 | -0.43 |