Asian equity markets ended mostly in green on Wednesday, with investors indulging in some selective buying despite a lack of any big catalysts. Higher commodity prices triggered fairly strong buying in mining and energy stocks in the region. Overall, the volume of business was mostly thin across the region. Crude oil prices rose to two-year highs overnight and as iron ore, gold and copper prices also strengthened. Japanese shares ended higher, with a rally in crude prices supporting oil-related shares. Though, Chinese shares ended lower amid signs of slowing economic growth and year-end liquidity tightness. Earnings at China’s industrial firms grew at their slowest pace in seven months in November, official data showed. Separately, growth in wages and hiring slowed at industrial firms, according to a survey by the China Beige Book International (CBB). Meanwhile, benchmark rates in the banking systems kept climbing in signs of liquidity stress.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,275.78 | -30.34 | -0.92 |
Hang Seng | 29,597.66 | 19.65 | 0.07 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,277.17 | 56.15 | 0.90 |
KLSE Composite | 1,771.76 | 11.77 | 0.67 |
Nikkei 225 | 22,911.21 | 18.52 | 0.08 |
Straits Times | 3,391.67 | 13.51 | 0.40 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,436.67 | 9.33 | 0.38 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,486.67 | 64.76 | 0.62 |