Asian markets ended mostly higher on Tuesday, although overall gains remained capped amid caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan meetings due this week. The US central bank is unlikely to cut rates at its two-day meeting, but the Fed's statement on June 19 may offer fresh clues as to the timing around a possible interest-rate cut later this year. Markets have nearly priced in hopes for a rate cut eventually since the Fed chairman made remarks on June 4 suggesting a lower rate. Japanese shares dropped to a 1-1/2 week low in subdued trade as caution set in ahead of Fed and Bank of Japan (BoJ) meetings.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,890.16 | 2.54 | 0.09 |
Hang Seng | 27,498.77 | 271.61 | 1.00 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,257.33 | 66.80 | 1.08 |
KLSE Composite | 1,652.76 | 14.36 | 0.88 |
Nikkei 225 | 20,972.71 | -151.29 | -0.72 |
Straits Times | 3,238.73 | 30.74 | 0.96 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,098.71 | 7.98 | 0.38 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,566.74 | 36.20 | 0.34 |
