Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 concluded the trading session down by 0.45%, settling at 47,734.99, whereas the Topix experienced a modest increase of 0.24%, finishing the day at 3,235.66. The Japanese yen depreciated by 0.38%, reaching 152.48 against the US dollar, following a decline to the 150-level on Monday. On Wednesday, spot gold prices reached $4,000 for the first time, propelled by ongoing safe-haven demand that continues to elevate the value of the yellow metal. The recent increase “likely reflects safe‑haven demand tied to the U.S. government shutdown and the resignation of Sebastien Lecornu as France’s prime minister,” stated Vivek Dhar. This follows a summer characterized by U.S. tariff-induced uncertainty that significantly impacted the global economy.

Yields on the U.S. 10-year and 30-year Treasuries exhibited minimal variation. The dollar index experienced an increase of 0.32%, reaching a level of 98.883. In the Asia-Pacific region, stock markets exhibited a mixed performance on Wednesday, diverging from the losses observed, following the World Bank’s upward revision of the region’s growth forecast on Tuesday. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index experienced a decline of 0.78%. CF PharmTech shares experienced a remarkable increase of over 224% in their initial trading session on the Hong Kong exchange during early trade. CF PharmTech operates as a specialty pharmaceutical firm, with a particular emphasis on addressing respiratory diseases. It was observed at a 174% increase as of 3.24 am. CF PharmTech successfully secured approximately $78 million, with shares valued at HKD$14.75 each.  PharmTech’s listing occurs during a notable revival in Hong Kong’s IPO market this year, which has collectively generated approximately $14.1 billion in the first half of the year.

Australia’s ASX/S&P 200 experienced a decline of 0.1%, concluding the session at 8,947.6. The markets in Mainland China and South Korea are currently closed due to holiday observances. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand reduced its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 2.5%. “Economic activity through the middle of 2025 was weak. In part, this reflects domestic constraints on the supply of goods and services in some industries, and the impact of global economic policy uncertainty,” the bank stated in a media release. The New Zealand dollar experienced a decline of 0.9%, settling at 0.5746 per dollar. The Bank of Thailand is scheduled to announce its policy decisions later today.

In the U.S. overnight, the three major averages experienced a decline. The S&P 500 faced challenges on Tuesday, weighed down by a decline in Oracle shares amid investor concerns regarding the profitability of the artificial intelligence sector. Market remained attentive to further developments from Washington as the U.S. government shutdown entered its second week. The broad market index experienced a decline of 0.38%, concluding at 6,714.59, thereby interrupting a 7-day winning streak. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.67%, finishing at 22,788.36. The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 91.99 points, representing a decline of 0.2%, concluding at 46,602.98. CAC 40 Exhibits Moderate Gains Amid Political Uncertainty