Asian markets settled mostly lower on Wednesday tracking a mixed finish overnight on Wall Street, while US treasury yields extended their decline ahead of key US inflation data and a Federal Reserve policy decision later in the day for additional clues on the outlook for interest rates. However, technology shares performed well after Apple unveiled new artificial intelligence features meant to rekindle demand for iPhones. Japanese shares declined as investors waiting for Japanese central bank policy decisions with speculation that the Bank of Japan will trim back JGB purchases in its announcement from Friday's meeting. Japan's wholesale prices in May rose 2.4% from a year earlier, due to both the rising cost of electricity and the weak yen, central bank data showed. Chinese shares fell on reports that the Biden administration is considering further restrictions on China's access to chip technology used for artificial intelligence. China's consumer inflation held steady in May while factory gate inflation eased, official data revealed.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,037.47 | 9.42 | 0.31 |
Hang Seng | 17,937.84 | -238.50 | -1.33 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,850.10 | -5.59 | -0.08 |
KLSE Composite | 1,608.95 | -2.54 | -0.16 |
Nikkei 225 | 38,876.71 | -258.08 | -0.66 |
Straits Times | 3,307.44 | -1.77 | -0.05 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,728.17 | 22.85 | 0.84 |
Taiwan Weighted | 22,048.96 | 256.84 | 1.16 |
