Financial firms and makers of alcoholic beverages led a rally in Chinese shares Wednesday after big losses in the previous session. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 2.2 percent to 3,986.04 after falling 3.6 percent on Tuesday on concerns the government would enact measures to cool overheating markets.
Japanese stocks were mixed Wednesday as traders were cautious ahead of earnings announcements from blue chips like Sony Corp. and as the central bank began its two-day policy meeting. The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index rose 16.02 points, or 0.09 percent, to finish at 17,529.00 points on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. On Tuesday, the index fell 164.96 points, or 0.93 percent.
Taiwan shares rose slightly on light trading Wednesday, as investors awaited a key policy address on relations with rival China. The Weighted Price Index of the Taiwan Stock Exchange gained 13.54 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 7988.57 points.
The Hang Seng in Hong Kong also was higher, ending up 0.3% at 20,937.26.
Elsewhere:
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Strait Times index hit a record high, ending up 0.8% at 3,501.17.
MUMBAI: India's Sensex gained 1.4% to 14127.31.
SEOUL: South Korean Kospi rose 0.7% at 1,600.60.
SYDNEY: The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 3.4 points to 6,294.6, while the All Ordinaries index added 3.8 points to 6,301.1.
WELLINGTON: The benchmark NZX-50 index closed up 12.68 points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,227.46.
With files from wire services
