Japan's benchmark index ended at a two-week low following a choppy session as investors shrugged off the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey that showed business sentiment improving in the three months to September.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 dove another 91.27 points, or 0.6%, to 16,082.25. After rising to ¥110.09--its highest level since Aug. 25, 2008--the U.S. dollar pared some its gains and was at ¥109.89. That compares with ¥109.66 late Tuesday in New York.
Markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai were off for a holiday
Sony and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial were among the most actively traded stocks on the index. Sony fell 1% while shares of the lender gained 1%.
Australia's benchmark rebounded from a seven-month low hit earlier in the session thanks to strong gains in the banking sector.
The 'Big Four' banks extended the previous day's rally with Australia New Zealand Banking leading gains by 1.6%
Retailers were mixed after August retail sales inched up just 0.1% on month, lower than estimates for a 0.4% gain. Harvey Norman gained 0.8% while Premier Investments lost 1.5%.
South Korean shares dropped to their lowest level in over two months, down for a fourth session.
Electronic exporters ignored data showing September exports posted their fastest rise in nine months. Electronic goods account for over one-fifth of total exports. Samsung Electronics lost over 2% while LG Electronics tumbled over 4%.
In other markets;
In Korea, the Kospi index dropped 28.55 points, or 1.4%, to 1,991.54
The Taiex index in Taiwan gained 23.34 points, or 0.3%, to 8,990.26
In Singapore, the Straits Times STI Index dipped 12.65 points, or 0.3%, to 3,264.09
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 hiked 19.55 points, or 0.4%, to 5,274.58
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 moved up 41.32 points, or 0.8%, to 5,334.13
