Asian equity markets ended mostly higher on Wednesday, lifted by optimism over global economic growth and corporate earnings. Data showed that US consumer confidence in October rose to its highest level in nearly 17 years and as China's Caixin manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index for October matched expectations. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve is also likely to be in focus, with the central bank due to announce its latest monetary policy decision later in the day. While the Fed is expected to leave interest rates unchanged, investors will be looking for clues about the possibility of a rate hike in December. Japanese shares ended higher, cheered by booming profits for Japan Inc. including exporters such as Sony and Nitto Denko.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,395.91 | 2.57 | 0.08 |
Hang Seng | 28,594.06 | 348.52 | 1.23 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,038.15 | 32.36 | 0.54 |
KLSE Composite | 1,743.93 | -3.99 | -0.23 |
Nikkei 225 | 22,420.08 | 408.47 | 1.86 |
Straits Times | 3,391.61 | 17.53 | 0.52 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,556.47 | 33.04 | 1.31 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,806.36 | 12.56 | 0.12 |