Asian markets trade mostly lower in early deals on Wednesday

17 Jan 2024 Evaluate

Most of the Asian Markets traded lower in early deals on Wednesday, saddled by the weak crude oil rates and profit taking after dollar firmed against major local currencies. Market sentiments also dampened after Quarter four Chinese economy grew slower than expected amidst persisting property weakness and lack of adequate monetary policy support. China’s economy grew 5.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, missing the 5.3% forecast. Meanwhile, China’s GDP climbed 5.2% for full-year 2023, exceeding the government’s 5% target. Hang Seng extended losing streak to fourth straight session and is the worst performer among Asian indices. The index is trading near its 15-month low hit. Bucking the trend, Japan’s Nikkei advanced in the session as the local currency yen kindled profit outlook on Japan’s export-heavy industries and encouraged foreign investments. Current dovish monetary policy outlook of Bank of Japan also boosted investment appeal. 

Hang Seng declined 446.24 points 2.89% to 15,419.68, Straits Times narrowed 24.43 points 0.77% to 3,160.56, Taiwan Weighted diminished 146.58 points or 0.84% to 17,200.29, KOSPI Index curtailed 50.57 points or 2.02% to 2,447.02, Jakarta Composite dipped by 45.32 points or 0.63% to 7,197.47, Shanghai Composite decreased by 18.39 points or 0.64% to 2,875.60 and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI slipped by 4.54 points or 0.30% to 1,489.33.

On the flip side, Nikkei 225 up by 75.30 points or 0.21% to 35,694.48.

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