Asian markets ended mostly higher on Wednesday as vote counting for the US presidential election progressed, while projections indicating a tight race between US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. Chinese shares ended higher after reports showed China's services-sector activity rose at a faster pace in October, signaling a further recovery of business activity from the Covid-19 related drops. The Caixin China services purchasing managers index rose to 56.8 in October from 54.8 in September. Further, minutes from the Japanese central bank’s monetary policy meeting on September 16 and 17 revealed that the central bank would take additional easing steps if it proves necessary.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,277.44 | 6.37 | 0.19 |
Hang Seng | 24,886.14 | -53.59 | -0.21 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,105.20 | -54.25 | -1.05 |
KLSE Composite | 1,464.61 | 3.16 | 0.22 |
Nikkei 225 | 23,695.23 | 399.75 | 1.72 |
Straits Times | 2,515.98 | 18.76 | 0.75 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,357.32 | 14.01 | 0.60 |
Taiwan Weighted | 12,867.90 | 131.89 | 1.04 |
