Asian equity markets ended mostly in green on Wednesday as the yen weakened on downbeat retail sales data and oil extended overnight gains, buoyed by disruptions to Libyan crude production and a more positive OPEC attitude towards extending production cuts. Japanese shares closed marginally higher as gains in energy stocks were offset by losses in the banking and realty sectors. While the yen continued to slide, retail sales data disappointed investors. Sales rose 0.2 percent in February from the previous month, official data showed, missed forecasts for 0.3 percent growth. Though, Chinese shares fell slightly amid concerns about liquidity and tighter regulation to curb speculation in the housing market.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,241.31 | -11.63 | -0.36 |
Hang Seng | 24,392.05 | 46.18 | 0.19 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,592.51 | 51.31 | 0.93 |
KLSE Composite | 1,750.41 | -4.01 | -0.23 |
Nikkei 225 | 19,217.48 | 14.61 | 0.08 |
Straits Times | 3,184.57 | 26.75 | 0.85 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,166.98 | 3.67 | 0.17 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,856.25 | -20.20 | -0.20 |