Asia’s shares mixed after gains on Wall Street

Shares in Asia were mixed on Wednesday following rallies across several markets earlier in the week and despite gains on Wall Street.

After a positive start, Japan’s Nikkei 225 finished down 1.36% to 15,836.36, ending two days of gains.

Some of the country’s big exporters held back the index, including Toyota which shed 2.8%.

Overnight falls in oil prices also weighed on investor sentiment. Brent crude fell 3.4% and US crude fell 2.1%.

In China, markets were divided, with the Shanghai Composite finishing up 1.08% to 2,867.34 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index closed down 1.03% at 18,924.57 in afternoon trade.

Australia’s ASX 200 index closed down 0.57% to 4,882.1 points amid the country’s busy earning season.

Woodside Petroleum, Australia’s largest independent oil and gas company, posted a 99% fall in profits for the 12 months to December, sending its shares down 7%.

Meanwhile, the largest franchisee for the Domino’s Pizza brand outside the US – Domino’s Australia – posted a more than 55% rise in profits for the six months to December. The firm also announced its second profit upgrade since December. Its Sydney-listed shares rose more than 10% on the news and finished the day up 6%.

[Source:- BBC]