Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Wednesday as investors wait for the outcome of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting later in the day.
The Nikkei 225 faded 6.76 points to 29,914.33.
The Japanese yen changed hands at 109.14 per U.S. dollar, strengthening from levels near 109.2 reached earlier in the session.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng edged higher 6.43 points to 29,034.12.
The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee’s policy meeting will take center stage.
Australia shares cut back some of their earlier losses. The energy slid 1.2%, and materials sub-indexes declined 1.5%, as oil and mining stocks broadly declined. Major miners Rio Tinto skidded 1% and BHP closed down 1.6%.
The Australian dollar slipped 0.14% to $0.7734.
In other markets
In China, the CSI 300 gathered 21.5 points, or 0.4%, to 5,100.86.
In Taiwan, the Taiex lost 97.34 points, or 0.6%, to 16,215.82.
In Korea, the Kospi index dropped 19.67 points, or 0.6%, to 3,047.50.
In Singapore, the Straits Times index poked ahead 4.14 points, or 0.1%, to 3,109.65.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 subtracted 66.84 points, or 0.5%, to 12,622.21
In Australia, the ASX 200 slumped 31.9 points, or 0.5%, to 6,795.23.