Asian markets trade mostly lower in early deals on Wednesday

26 Aug 2020 Evaluate

Most of the Asian equity benchmarks are trading lower on Wednesday, as the market sentiments dulled with the persisting concerns over subdued business amid fears of more waves of COVID-19 infections. As per reports consumer confidence unexpectedly dropped this month. The market participated sidelined as they eyed on Fed’s chair Jerome Powell’s highly anticipated speech later this week, which might give out cues pertaining next steps for monetary policy. The central bank has slashed short-term rates to nearly zero and is buying all kinds of bonds, which helps drive some investors into the stock market and push up its prices. Japan's Nikkei is trading lower with the technical correction after previous session losses. Japanese shares closed at a six-month high on Tuesday. Lackluster cues from Wall Street also added downside. Among the Asian markets, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China and Malaysia are in negative mode. Bucking the trend, Taiwan, and South Korea are trading higher.

Nikkei 225 down by 5.26 points, 0.02% to 23,291.51, Straits Times decreased by 24.14 points 0.94% to 2,534.89, Hang Seng slipped by 3.16 points or 0.01% to 25,483.06, Jakarta Composite lowered by 6.36 points or 0.12% to 5,332.53, Shanghai lower 31.14 points or 0.92% to 3,342.44, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI diminished by 6.98 points or 0.45% to 1,547.98.

On the flip side, Taiwan Weighted buoyed 39.36 points or 0.31% to 12,797.61, KOSPI Index lifted by 1.46 points or 0.06% to 2,368.19.

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