Most Asian stock markets close midweek with declines

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Most major Asian stock markets were down at Wednesday's close.

The Asia Dow, which includes blue-chip companies in the region, dropped 0.64% to 2,810.44 points, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.37% to 27,257.38.

In Japan, the central bank governor on Tuesday rejected criticism of the monetary policy but said on Wednesday the rapid weakening of the yen makes business plans difficult in the country.

The US dollar/Japanese yen parity hit a 32-year high on Monday, nearing the 150 level.

The Hang Seng, the benchmark for blue-chip stocks trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange, lost 2.38% to 16,511.28 points.

China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange fell 1.19% to close at 3,044.38.

As the data on the release calendar in China remains undisclosed and no information is provided, it raises concerns about the country's economy.

China did not release the gross domestic product and unemployment figures on Tuesday.

The Indian Sensex benchmark increased 0.25% to 59,107.19 points and the Singapore index was down 0.10% to 3,022.80.