Asian markets ended mixed on Wednesday as investors cautiously awaiting the release of a highly anticipated US inflation report later in the day, which likely accelerated to a 40-year peak. Moreover, an overnight fall in Wall Street amid escalating fears about recession also added pressure on Asian market sentiments. South Korean shares gained on eased uncertainties about Bank of Korea's (BOK) rate decision. BOK delivered an unprecedented 0.5 percentage-point rate hike to combat fast-growing inflation pressure. Chinese shares traded almost flat with positive momentum despite renewed Covid-19 travel curbs in the country. Meanwhile, customs data showed that China's exports grew at their fastest pace in five months in June, and imports rose at a slower pace.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,284.29 | 2.82 | 0.09 |
Hang Seng | 20,797.95 | -46.79 | -0.22 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,640.99 | -77.30 | -1.15 |
KLSE Composite | 1,411.32 | -14.76 | -1.04 |
Nikkei 225 | 26,478.77 | 142.11 | 0.54 |
Straits Times | 3,128.69 | -17.08 | -0.54 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,328.61 | 10.85 | 0.47 |
Taiwan Weighted | 14,324.68 | 374.06 | 2.68 |
