Asian markets experienced a predominantly positive trend on Wednesday, with the exception of Japan, which remained closed for a holiday. The Bank of Japan's decision to raise its benchmark interest rate for the first time in 17 years led to a surge in the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index gained 0.3%, while the Shanghai Composite index rose 0.5%. China maintained its benchmark lending rates, despite signs of economic improvement and concerns about the property market.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index declined slightly by 0.1%, while South Korea's Kospi index advanced 1.3%. Taiwan's Taiex index experienced a 0.4% loss.
In the United States, the S&P 500 index reached a new all-time high, rising 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite also gained 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively.
The Federal Reserve's latest meeting on interest rates commenced on Tuesday, with a decision expected later in the day. While the Fed is anticipated to maintain its current interest rate, there is speculation that it may indicate a reduction in the number of expected rate cuts for the year.