Shares in Asia-Pacific were mixed on Wednesday as investors watched for market reaction to the release of Chinese trade data. New Zealand also hiked its rate by 50 basis points, its biggest increase in more than 20 years.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 restocked 508.51 points, or 1.9%, to 26,843,48.
The Japanese yen traded at 126.18 per U.S. dollar, weaker than levels below 125.1 seen against the greenback earlier this week.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 55.24 points, or 0.3%, to 21,374.37.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand on Wednesday announced its decision to raise the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 1.5%. The move represented the RBNZ’s fourth consecutive hike and its largest rate increase in more than 20 years.
Following the decision, the New Zealand dollar initially strengthened but later fell back, last trading at $0.6788 against an earlier high of $0.6901.
The Australian dollar was at $0.7426 following an earlier high of $0.7475.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 lost 40.23 points, or 1%, to 4,139.74.
Data released Wednesday showed Chinese exports rising more than expected in March. China’s dollar-denominated exports grew 14.7% year-on-year in March, according to official customs data. That was above expectations for a 13% increase in a Reuters poll.
Chinese imports, on the other hand, saw a 0.1% year-on-year decrease in March. That was much lower than the 8% growth predicted in a Reuters poll.
Investors were also watching concerns around the mainland’s COVID situation.
In other markets
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index recovered 11.97 points, or 0.4%, to 3,342,22
In Korea, the Kospi index grabbed 49.73 points, or 1.9%, to 2,716.49.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index jumped 310.74 points, or 1.8%, to 17,301.65.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 fell 14.17 points, or 0.1%, to 11,875.
In Australia, the ASX 200 gained 25.04 points, or 0.3%, to 7,479.02.
