Asian markets ended mixed on Wednesday ahead of US inflation data due later in the week which could offer additional clues on the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory. Investors also remained cautious as the Middle East conflict escalated and Brent crude prices surged above $100 per barrel following Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and continuing strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. Japanese markets declined as the Japanese yen extended its rally to hit its highest level against the US dollar in nearly seven months. However, Chinese markets rose after data showed China's consumer-price index rose 0.8% in August from a year earlier, versus a 0.5% increase in July, while producer prices rose 3.8% year-on-year, up from a 3.5% increase in July driven partly by higher food and energy costs. Further, South Korea’s KOSPI traded higher amid renewed strength in semiconductor and AI-related shares.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,951.51 | 10.96 | 0.28 |
Hang Seng | 25,274.96 | -42.22 | -0.17 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,678.20 | -8.24 | -0.12 |
KLSE Composite | 1,714.34 | -0.06 | 0.00 |
Nikkei 225 | 65,142.78 | -126.55 | -0.19 |
Straits Times | 5,729.63 | -37.82 | -0.66 |
KOSPI Composite | 7,051.64 | 97.12 | 1.40 |
Taiwan Weighted | 47,183.36 | 77.58 | 0.16 |
