Asian stock markets are trading mixed on Wednesday, following the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight, as traders cashed in on recent strength in the markets amid lingering concerns about the global economic outlook. Worries about any aggressive tightening by the US Fed faded after data showed a drop in U.S. job openings, and a slump in U.S. manufacturing activity. Asian markets closed mostly higher on Tuesday.
Traders also continued to look ahead to the release of the US Labor Department's closely watched monthly jobs report on Friday. The data could impact the outlook for interest rates and the economy.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.