Asian stock markets were mixed on Wednesday, with most indices showing marginal moves, while Australian shares rose to record high levels on growing expectations of further RBA interest rate reductions.
Focus for the day was squarely on the Reserve Bank of India’s rate decision due later in the day, where the central bank is expected to hold rates steady.
Wall Street ended lower on Tuesday after the release of weak services data, which added to economic concerns spurred by a soft jobs report last week.
U.S. stock index futures edged lower in Asian trading on Wednesday
Australia shares hit record high; tariff tensions remain
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.6% to a record high of 8,827.40 points as markets priced in imminent rate cuts from both the Reserve Bank of Australia and the U.S. Federal Reserve.
The RBA is set to meet next week after unexpectedly holding rates steady in its last meeting.
Odds of a September U.S. rate cut surged to nearly 94% following weak U.S. labor market data, reinforcing risk-on sentiment.
However, investor sentiment was tempered by fresh trade tensions.
In a CNBC interview on Tuesday, President Donald Trump threatened steep tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, with drug duties possibly reaching up to 250%.
He also confirmed plans to raise tariffs on Indian imports beyond the current 25% over its Russian oil purchases.
Asian stocks subdued, RBI decision awaited
Futures for India’s Nifty 50 edged up 0.2% as investors awaited the Reserve Bank of India’s policy decision later in the day.
The RBI is widely expected to hold its benchmark rate at 5.50%, though some analysts see scope for a 25 basis point cut, especially amid subdued inflation and U.S. trade pressures.
A falling Indian rupee against the dollar further complicates the central bank’s decision.
Other regional stocks traded mixed with range-bound movements.
South Korea’s KOSPI index edged down 0.2%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index ticked 0.1% lower.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.5%, while the broader TOPIX index jumped 1%.
China’s Shanghai Composite index was muted, while the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 fell marginally.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.4% on Tuesday.
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