Asian markets settled mostly lower on Thursday ahead of next week's US Federal Reserve meeting for more clues on tapering of its bond-buying programs. Chinese shares ended lower, with property stocks declined as Chinese property giant Evergrande Group appeared likely to be unable to repay all of the $89 billion it owes banks and other bondholders. Hong Kong shares hit by heavy declines in the technology and casino sectors. Japanese shares ended lower on profit booking after a recent rally that was led by massive foreign inflows on expectations for fresh economic stimulus under new political leadership, while weak exports data for August also weighing on market sentiments.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,607.09 | -49.13 | -1.34 |
Hang Seng | 24,667.85 | -365.36 | -1.46 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,109.94 | -0.29 | -- |
KLSE Composite | - | - | - |
Nikkei 225 | 30,323.34 | -188.37 | -0.62 |
Straits Times | 3,064.54 | 5.93 | 0.19 |
KOSPI Composite | 3,130.09 | -23.31 | -0.74 |
Taiwan Weighted | 17,278.70 | -75.30 | -0.43 |
