Shares in Japan led gains among major Asia-Pacific markets on Wednesday, as investors monitored oil prices and continued to assess the outlook for U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policy.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 popped 816.05 points, or 3%, to 28,040.16, as shares of SoftBank Group jumped 7.2%, while Fast Retailing climbed 5.2%.
The Japanese yen traded at 121 per U.S. dollar, weaker than levels below 120 seen against the greenback yesterday.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index galloped 264.8 points, or 1.2%, to 22,154.08.
Hong Kong-listed shares of Xiaomi soared 4.1% after the firm announced Tuesday plans to repurchase shares in the open market “from time to time” at a maximum aggregate price of 10 billion Hong Kong dollars ($1.28 billion U.S.). Xiaomi on Tuesday also announced a 21.4% year-over-year rise in its fourth-quarter revenue.
The Australian dollar was at $0.7454, largely holding on to gains after yesterday’s rise from around $0.738.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 regained 21.23 points, or 0.5%, to 4,276.52.
Shares of Chinese tech giant Tencent briefly soared as high as 4%, but later pared most of the gains, finishing 0.26% higher ahead of its fourth-quarter and annual results announcement expected later on Wednesday.
In other markets
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index recovered 14.09 points, or 0.4%, to 3,364.26
In Korea, the Kospi index gained 25.05 points, or 0.9%, to 2,735.05
In Taiwan, the Taiex index triumphed 171.66 points, or 1%, to 17,731.37.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 shed 143.69 points, or 1.2%, to 12,061.
In Australia, the ASX 200 advanced 36.77 points, or 0.5%, to 7,377.87.