Asian markets trade mostly higher in early deals on Wednesday

18 May 2022 Evaluate

Most of the Asian equity benchmarks traded higher in early deals on Wednesday, as the market sentiments got boosted with the upbeat US retail sales and industrial production data. Moreover, positive comments by Federal Chairman Jerome Powell on strengthening of the economy, and optimism after China declared lifting of Covid restrictions gradually, kindled investments further. Japanese stocks extended winning streak to fourth straight session in tandem with the positive global cues. Exporters gained considerably with the weaker local currency yen. Meanwhile, Japan's gross domestic product contracted an annualized 1% in the first quarter of 2022, though exceeded expectations for a dip of 1.8%. On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, GDP reduced by 0.2%, beating forecasts for a decline of 0.4 %. Shanghai stocks, however, declined amid woes over economic health of the nation as the country is not lifting the lockdown immediately, instead gradually easing restrictions until June 1, though it achieved a fourth consecutive day of zero covid status.

Nikkei 225 up by 195.74 points or 0.73% to 26,855.49, Straight times rose by 27.59 points or 0.86% to 3,229.48, Taiwan Weighted jumped by 252.47 points or 1.57% to 16,308.56, KOSPI climbed by 3.50 points or 0.13% to 2,623.94, Jakarta Composite increased by 46.16 points or 0.69% to 6,690.63, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI higher by 6.16 points or 0.40% to 1,554.76.

Bucking the trend, Hang Seng dipped by 138.02 points or 0.67% to 20,464.50 and Shanghai Composite declined by 6.48 points or 0.21% to 3,087.22.

© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×