Asian markets end mostly higher

Most of the Asian markets ended higher on the third consecutive session on Wednesday, on the back of continued hopes for a new round of stimulus from the US and European central banks. However, Hong Kong listed Standard Chartered's shares dropped for a second day, as the bank was accused by US regulators of hiding sanction-busting multi-billion-dollar trades with Iran. Meanwhile, oil prices fell after racing up to a 12-week high on Tuesday on expectations of further economic stimulus.