BEIJING -- Chinese stocks saw drastic fluctuations Wednesday on fragile market sentiment as authorities signaled continued efforts to correct irregularities in the financial market.
The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index managed to finish in positive territory, closing up 0.12 percent at 3,247.67. The Shenzhen Component Index went down 0.54 percent to end at 10,297.34.
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HONG KONG -- Hong Kong stocks closed up 88.97 points, or 0.33 percent, to 26,941.02 points on Wednesday.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index traded between 26,786.63 and 27,007.27. Turnover totaled 86.29 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 11.05 billion U.S. dollars).
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SEOUL -- Seoul shares ended lower on Wednesday.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 5.39 points, or 0.22 percent, to settle at 2,434.51. Trading volume stood at 332.74 million shares worth 6.38 trillion won (5.7 billion U.S. dollars).
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TOKYO -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Wednesday as the market was in an upbeat mood following robust overseas and domestic corporate earnings, but gains were capped as investors hit the sidelines ahead of the conclusion of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy meeting later in the day.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 94.96 points, or 0.48 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 20,050.16.
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JAKARTA -- Indonesian shares closed higher by 13.32 points, or 0.23 percent, to a level of 5,800.20 on Wednesday.
Some 294,317 transaction were booked, involving 8.4 billion copies of share with total value of 6.8 trillion rupiah (about 509.9 million U.S. dollars).
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MUMBAI -- Indian markets closed higher Wednesday. Benchmark indices gained strength in the final hours of trade, ended at fresh record high.
The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex closed at 32,382.46, 154.19 points or 0.48 percent up compared to its previous close at 32,228.27.
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KUALA LUMPUR -- The Malaysian stock market ended higher here on Wednesday.
The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) was at 1,766.00, up 2.66 points or 0.15 percent, and the Emas was at 12,567.60 up 18.01 points or 0.14 percent.
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MANILA -- The Philippine stock market trekked to its highest level for the year.
The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) finished Wednesday's session up by 0.83 percent or 65.79 points to 8,037.51, while the broader all-share index rose by 0.56 percent or 26.47 points to 4,779.80.
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SINGAPORE -- Singaporean shares closed 0.27 percent higher on Wednesday, as investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy decision later in the day.
Market in general expected Federal Reserve to announce later in the day it leave interest rates untouched. The focus will be on the central bank's statement, with markets looking for signs of when it will begin paring its massive bond holdings and next rate hike. Investors are also waiting for a slew of results from local heavyweights. Enditem
