Asia Mixed, Investors Parse Economic Data

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Wednesday as traders parsed a slew of key economic data in the region.In Japan, markets returned to trading after Tuesday’s holiday with the Nikkei 225 hiking 205.39 points, or 0.6%, to 36,045.38.The Bank of Japan kickstarts its policy meeting on Wednesday, and is widely expected to hold rates at 0.5% when the meeting concludes on Thursday.Speaking at a White House press briefing, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration also held “substantial talks” with Japan over a possible trade deal, and that “the contours of a deal” with South Korea could be coming together.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 111.3 points, or 0.5%, to 22,119.41. CHINA The CSI 300 in mainland China let go of 4.51 points, or 0.1%, to 3,770.57, after China’s manufacturing activity fell more-than-expected into contractionary territory in April.Meanwhile, China’s manufacturing activity fell more-than-expected to a near two-year low, sliding into contractionary territory in April as the escalating trade war with the U.S. hurts bilateral trade.In other marketsIn Singapore, the Straits Times Index recovered 27.33 points, or 0.7%, to 3,832.51In Korea, the Kospi settled 8.81 points, or 0.3%, to 2,556.61In Taiwan, the Taiex nosed up 2.4 points to 20,235.03In New Zealand, the NZX 50 dropped 122.14 points, or 1%, to 11,903.32.In Australia, the ASX 200 picked up 55.62 points, or 0.7%, to 8,106.21.