Most of the Asian markets are trading in green in early deals on Wednesday as investors awaited a third interest rate hike by the United States Federal Reserve for this year. The Fed is widely expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points, although investors are likely to pay close attention to the accompanying statement for clues about the outlook for rates. The Japanese market is higher despite the mixed lead from Wall Street and on a stronger yen. Among the other Asian markets, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Shanghai are higher. Bucking the trend, Taiwan is in negative territory. The South Korean market continues to be closed for Chuseok Day holiday.
Nikkei 225 added 31.40 points or 0.13% to 23,971.66, Hang Seng surged 451.32 points or 1.61% to 27,950.71, Shanghai Composite spurt 35.29 points or 1.25% to 2,816.43, Straits Times gained 20.57 points or 0.63% to 3,256.65, Jakarta Composite increased 25.98 points or 0.44% to 5,900.28, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI up by 1.68 points or 0.09% to 1,796.15.
On the flip side, Taiwan Weighted down by 16.04 points or 0.15% to 10,962.81.
