Asian equity markets made a mixed closing on Wednesday as investors digested corporate earnings and US President Donald Trump's abrupt dismissal of FBI Director James Comey. Tensions surrounding North Korea also kept underlying sentiment cautious. Chinese shares ended lower after inflation data painted a mixed picture of the economy. Data published by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that China's inflation accelerated to a 3-month high in April, while factory gate inflation eased on weakening commodity prices. Meanwhile, Japanese shares ended marginally higher, shrugging off concerns surrounding regional security and political developments in the US. The yen weakened against the dollar, helping lift exporters' shares. Markets in Malaysia and Singapore were closed in observance of Vesak Day.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,052.79 | -27.74 | -0.9 |
Hang Seng | 25,015.42 | 126.39 | 0.51 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,653.01 | -44.05 | -0.77 |
KLSE Composite | - | - | - |
Nikkei 225 | 19,900.09 | 57.09 | 0.29 |
Straits Times | - | - | - |
KOSPI Composite | 2,270.12 | -22.64 | -0.99 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,968.32 | 52.84 | 0.53 |