Stocks in Asia Pacific were mixed on Wednesday as investors weighed the potential impact of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing against economies reopening, as coronavirus containment measures are eased.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 gained another 148.06 points, or 0.7%, to 20,419.23, as shares of robot maker Fanuc surged 2.8%.
The Japanese yen traded at 107.52 per dollar after strengthening from levels above 107.7 yesterday.
The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong sank 83.3 points, or 0.4%, to 23,301.36.
The Australian dollar was at $0.6644 after rising sharply from levels below $0.66 yesterday.
CHINA
Developments in U.S.-China relations were likely watched by investors on Wednesday.
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 lost 27.16 points, or 0.7%, to 3,845.61.
A Bloomberg News report said the U.S. was considering sanctions on Chinese firms and officials over the situation in Hong Kong. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday afternoon he would make an announcement about the administration’s response to China’s actions by the end of this week.
In other markets
In Korea, the Kospi inched higher 1.42 points, or 0.1%, to 2,031.20
In Taiwan, the Taiex index climbed 17.45 points, or 0.2%, to 11,014.66
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index handed over 10.82 points, or 0.4%, to 2,519.48.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 popped 134.45 points, or 1.2%, to 11,049.19.
In Australia, the ASX 200 retreated 5.04 points, or 0.1%, to 5,775.01.
