Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals on Wednesday, due to risk aversion ahead to later today’s FOMC meeting conclusion. Uncertainty over size in Fed interest rate cut after unexpected rise in August US retail sales saddled Asian indices. Investor sentiments also dulled after China’s sluggish industrial output, weaker retail sales, dipping fixed asset investments and surging urban unemployment rate. Japan’s Nikkei extended negative trend to third straight session amidst mixed cues from Wall Street overnight. Meanwhile, Japan’s exports increased less than expected in August, while imports rose the least in five months. Stock markets of Hong Kong and South Korea are closed for Mid-Autumn Festival and Chuseok - Thanksgiving Day respectively.
Nikkei 225 down by 62.86 points 0.17% to 36,140.36, Straits Times slipped by 2.17 points 0.06% to 3,591.25, Taiwan Weighted curtailed by 162.23 points or 0.74% to 21,687.85, Shanghai Composite declined by 1.24 points or 0.05% to 2,702.85, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI dipped by 6.59 points or 0.40% to 1,657.69
On the flip side, Jakarta Composite up by 10.47 points or 0.13% to 7,842.25.