Nvidia's disappointing guidance added little optimism to the Asian markets, which were already on edge due to uncertainties surrounding the Bank of Japan's monetary policy and the inadequate stimulus measures from China. The Bank of Japan's Governor's remarks, indicating that monetary policy decisions would be data-dependent and reviewed meeting by meeting, further unsettled the markets.
China's Shanghai Composite Index saw a slight increase of 0.07 percent, closing at 3,370.40, with trading fluctuating between 3,378.52 and 3,348.86. Meanwhile, the Shenzhen Component Index experienced a marginal decline of 0.07 percent, finishing at 10,819.88.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell by 326 points or 0.85 percent, closing at 38,026.17, with trading ranges between 38,374.69 and 37,945.21. Pre-CPI update jitters contributed to a cautious sentiment in the market. Tokyo Gas rose significantly by nearly 5 percent, followed by M3, which gained 4.4 percent. Additionally, Taiheiyo Cement Corp, Yamato Holdings, and Ube Industries each saw gains exceeding 3 percent. Conversely, IHI Corp dropped by nearly 4 percent, and Sumitomo Realty and Development Co, East Japan Railway Co, Aeon, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries all decreased by over 3 percent.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index fell by 104 points or 0.53 percent to conclude trading at 19,601.11, with intra-day trading swinging between 19,764.62 and 19,552.50.
South Korea's Kospi Index dipped slightly by 0.07 percent, ending at 2,480.63, with the day's trading floating between 2,474.62 and 2,496.97.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed marginally lower by 3 points or 0.04 percent, settling at 8,323.00, with trading ranging from 8,305.40 to 8,362.80. Among top gainers, Sigma Healthcare surged 4.3 percent, while Amcor, Gold Road Resources, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, and Champion Iron all increased by more than 3 percent. Neuren Pharmaceuticals plummeted by 9.2 percent, with Pexa Group, Web Travel Group, IDP Education, and Johns Lyng Group all declining by over 4 percent.
The NZX 50 Index of New Zealand climbed 28 points or 0.22 percent to end at 12,765.24, compared to its prior close of 12,737.06, with trading fluctuating between 12,699.17 and 12,810.66. Pacific Edge led the gains in the healthcare sector with a rise of 7.6 percent, while Serko advanced by 4 percent and Ryman Healthcare increased by 3.1 percent. ANZ Group Holdings and Tourism Holdings both saw increases of more than 2 percent. EROAD faced the biggest loss with a drop of 3.2 percent, while Fletcher Building fell by 2.3 percent. Vital Healthcare Property Trust and Port of Tauranga both decreased by nearly 1 percent, with the Fonterra Shareholders Fund experiencing a slight loss.
In the US, Wall Street ended mixed on Wednesday, as investors awaited NVIDIA's earnings report amidst ongoing geopolitical concerns. The Nasdaq Composite declined by 0.11 percent to close at 18,966.14, whereas the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.32 percent to finish at 43,408.47.
