Asian equity markets ended mostly higher on Wednesday as higher commodity prices lifted resource stocks and the Japanese yen weakened on solid US non-manufacturing activity data released overnight. But overall market gains were limited as investors remained wary about global trade tensions and geopolitical risks, and as the market awaited the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week where it is expected to raise interest rates. Japanese shares ended higher, as technology stocks edged up after their US peers rallied. Chinese shares ended almost flat, as gains in transport and material firms were offset by losses in banking and real estate shares. Meanwhile, the markets in South Korea are closed on Wednesday for the Memorial Day holiday.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,115.18 | 0.97 | 0.03 |
Hang Seng | 31,259.10 | 165.65 | 0.53 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,069.72 | -19.07 | -0.31 |
KLSE Composite | 1,777.13 | 21.99 | 1.25 |
Nikkei 225 | 22,625.73 | 86.19 | 0.38 |
Straits Times | 3,467.81 | -15.35 | -0.44 |
KOSPI Composite | - | - | - |
Taiwan Weighted | 11,201.83 | 101.72 | 0.92 |
