Asian markets settled mostly higher on Wednesday tracking Wall Street gains overnight, while a weaker-than-expected US retail sales report reinforced expectations of an early rate cut by the Federal Reserve. However, some gains were limited as commentary from a slew of Fed officials emphasizing the need for more evidence of cooling inflation before lowering rates. Seoul shares gained as technology shares surged on bullish outlook for Artificial Intelligence technology. Japanese shares marginally rose by tracking an overnight rally in US semiconductor shares led by Nvidia. Meanwhile, the minutes of Bank of Japan's April policy meeting showed policymakers debating about the weak yen's impact on inflation, which has remained relatively low compared with other major economies.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,018.05 | -12.20 | -0.40 |
| Hang Seng | 18,430.39 | 514.84 | 2.79 |
| Jakarta Composite | 6,726.92 | -7.91 | -0.12 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,599.79 | -6.34 | -0.39 |
| Nikkei 225 | 38,570.76 | 88.65 | 0.23 |
| Straits Times | 3,309.02 | 7.24 | 0.22 |
| KOSPI Composite | 2,797.33 | 33.41 | 1.19 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 23,209.54 | 452.11 | 1.95 |
