Most Asian stock markets advanced on Wednesday, tracking overnight gains from Wall Street as technology shares provided solid support. However, Japan’s markets lagged as rising expectations of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate hike weighed on investor sentiment.
Regional volumes were muted as China and Hong Kong remained closed for National Day holidays, with mainland Chinese markets set to reopen mid-next week. Attention also centered on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policy meeting, where the central bank is expected to leave rates unchanged while easing liquidity conditions.
Asian equities initially benefited from Wall Street’s stronger close, though momentum faded amid concerns of a looming U.S. government shutdown. Bipartisan efforts to secure additional funding faltered, and S&P 500 futures slipped 0.4% in Asian trading ahead of a potential shutdown at 0400 GMT.
Technology shares led regional gains, echoing the performance of U.S. tech stocks. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.8%, lifted by optimism in the artificial intelligence sector and bargain-hunting after September’s steep losses. Still, gains were capped as Federal Reserve officials, including Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, signaled caution over aggressive rate cuts, reflecting the resilience of the U.S. economy.
In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX dropped 1.1% and 1.8%, respectively. A BOJ “tankan” survey showed improved sentiment among large manufacturers, bolstering expectations for an interest rate hike later in October. The stronger yen, driven by rate hike bets, further pressured Japanese exporters.
Elsewhere, Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.6% on tech strength, while Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.3% after the Reserve Bank of Australia’s hawkish stance. Indian equities remained muted, with Nifty 50 futures pointing to a flat open as investors awaited the RBI decision. Analysts expect a dovish outlook, with the possibility of reduced cash reserve requirements to support growth amid U.S. trade tariff pressures.