Asian equity markets made a mixed closing on Wednesday as lower commodity prices and weak overnight cues from Wall Street on concerns over the possibility of a US government shutdown overshadowed upbeat regional economic data. A widespread sell-off in digital currencies on fears of impending crackdowns, apprehensions surrounding coalition talks in Germany and speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers are preparing to reduce their vast monetary stimulus program also kept investors on their toes. Japanese shares lost ground as a firmer yen weighed on exporters and bitcoin-related stocks succumbed to selling pressure on fears of a regulatory crackdown. Though, Chinese shares closed slightly higher ahead of fourth-quarter GDP, December industrial production and retail sales data due Thursday.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,444.67 | 8.08 | 0.24 |
Hang Seng | 31,983.41 | 78.66 | 0.25 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,444.52 | 14.83 | 0.23 |
KLSE Composite | 1,828.63 | 2.60 | 0.14 |
Nikkei 225 | 23,868.34 | -83.47 | -0.35 |
Straits Times | 3,541.91 | -8.30 | -0.23 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,515.43 | -6.31 | -0.25 |
Taiwan Weighted | 11,004.80 | 18.69 | 0.17 |
