Asian equity markets ended mixed on Wednesday following a record closing high on Wall Street overnight on the back of upbeat economic data and a positive reaction to Fed Chair nominee Jerome Powell's comments regarding financial regulations. Meanwhile, North Korea on Wednesday claimed the successful launch of a new advanced ballistic missile that it said placed the entire US within range. The announcement followed a launch earlier in the day that shattered a 75-day lull in North Korea’s rocket tests and raised concerns that the regime was nearing completion of its advanced weapons programme. Chinese shares ended up, led by property developers and resource firms. Further, a strong rally in financials helped Japanese shares end modesty higher for the day.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,337.86 | 4.21 | 0.13 |
Hang Seng | 29,623.83 | -57.02 | -0.19 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,061.37 | -9.35 | -0.15 |
KLSE Composite | 1,720.38 | 5.96 | 0.35 |
Nikkei 225 | 22,597.20 | 110.96 | 0.49 |
Straits Times | 3,438.99 | -3.36 | -0.10 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,512.90 | -1.29 | -0.05 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,713.55 | 6.48 | 0.06 |