Asian markets ended mixed on Wednesday as growth worries persisted and investors awaited more clarity on the future path of Treasury yields. Underlying sentiment remained supported somewhat amid receding worries over Italy's budget. The dollar dipped after US President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Reserve once again, saying he believes the central bank was moving too quickly with the rate hikes. Trump also repeated a threat to impose tariffs on $267 billion worth of additional Chinese imports if Beijing retaliates for the recent levies and other measures. Chinese shares ended a tad higher on expectations that policymakers will take further steps to ease a funding crunch and lift growth amid a protracted trade war with the United States. Besides, Japanese shares ended higher in choppy trade as investors picked up defensive stocks on the dips, while index-heavyweight SoftBank dived on news it was to buy a majority stake in US shared office space provider WeWork. Meanwhile, the markets in Taiwan are closed for the National Day holiday.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,725.84 | 4.83 | 0.18 |
Hang Seng | 26,193.07 | 20.16 | 0.08 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,820.67 | 23.88 | 0.41 |
KLSE Composite | 1,735.18 | -38.97 | -2.20 |
Nikkei 225 | 23,506.04 | 36.65 | 0.16 |
Straits Times | 3,131.48 | -35.12 | -1.12 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,228.61 | -25.22 | -1.13 |
Taiwan Weighted | - | - | - |
