Asian markets ended mixed on Tuesday amid caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve minutes. Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions following US President Joe Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine this week also influenced market sentiments. Japanese shares declined after a business survey showed that the country’s manufacturing activity contracted at the fastest pace in 30 months in February. Investors were also awaiting the incoming Bank of Japan governor’s hearing at the parliament this week. However, Chinese shares gained on optimism over China's economic recovery. The Chinese central bank (PBoC) had left its key mortgage lending rates at historical lows as it strives to shore up Chinese economic growth.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,306.52 | 16.18 | 0.49 |
Hang Seng | 20,529.49 | -357.47 | -1.74 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,873.40 | -21.32 | -0.31 |
KLSE Composite | 1,474.01 | 0.55 | 0.04 |
Nikkei 225 | 27,473.10 | -58.84 | -0.21 |
Straits Times | 3,306.86 | -1.89 | -0.06 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,458.96 | 3.84 | 0.16 |
Taiwan Weighted | 15,563.00 | 11.77 | 0.08 |
