Market Overview

Investors in the Asia-Pacific region faced a mixed trading session on Wednesday, as the looming US tariffs scheduled for August 7 and fresh US services data influenced market sentiments. The data indicated a slowdown in services activity, casting shadows over the interest rate outlook in the US economy.

Regional Market Performance

China: The Shanghai Composite remained steady, while the Shenzhen Composite saw a slight increase of 0.20%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng experienced a minor dip of 0.21%.

Australia and South Korea: The Australian S&P/ASX 200 climbed by 0.56%, whereas South Korea's Kospi Composite stayed flat.

Japan and Currency Markets: Japan's Nikkei 225 advanced by 0.60%, and the dollar strengthened slightly against the yen, trading at ¥147.7270.