Asian shares broadly lower, Shanghai rises

AFP/Tokyo

Asian markets mostly fell yesterday in the final hours before investors learn more about the US Federal Reserve’s plans for its massive stimulus programme.

Tokyo closed down 1.45% on profit-taking after the previous day’s gains. The Nikkei gave up 201.50 points to 13,668.32.

Seoul lost 0.16%, or 3.02 points, to end at 1,914.03. Sydney closed flat, edging up 4.8 points to 5,052.

Shanghai rose 0.19%, or 3.74 points, to 1,993.80, while Hong Kong fell 0.32%, or 70.30 points, to 21,883.66.

The greenback fetched ¥97.85, compared with ¥98.02 in New York Tuesday.

The euro fetched $1.3261 and ¥129.75, against $1.3264 and ¥130.02.

Asian equities were given a soft lead from Wall Street on Tuesday, where the Dow and S&P 500 were flat and the Nasdaq edged up 0.48%.

On oil markets New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate for delivery in September, was up 55¢ at $103.63 a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for September fell 17¢ to $106.74.

Gold cost $1,332.27 per ounce at 1040 GMT, compared with $1,323.50 late on Tuesday.

In other markets, Bangkok lost 0.86%, or 12.30 points, to 1,423.14; Singapore closed down 0.72%, or 23.52 points, at 3,221.93; Jakarta closed higher 0.04%, or 1.89 points, at 4,610.38; Kuala Lumpur slumped 1.27%, or 22.46 points, to close at 1,772.62; Taipei slipped 0.68%, or 55.61 points, to 8,107.94; Manila closed 1.32% lower, shedding 88.88 points to 6,639.12; and Wellington fell 0.28%, or 12.60 points, to 4,537.99.