Asia-Pacific Stock Market Update: Japanese Shares Rise, Other Markets Decline

Japan's stock market continued to climb for the third consecutive day, while other markets in the Asia-Pacific region experienced declines on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HSI) fell by 0.9% to 16,228.75.

The largest increase among the constituents of the Hang Seng Index was seen in shares of cell/mobile phones company Xiaomi, as they rose by 2.5%.

However, shares of glass/glass products company Xinyi Glass Holdings saw the largest drop in Hong Kong, weakening by 5.7% on Wednesday.

Similarly, shares of commercial/industrial real estate firm Wharf Real Estate Invt and marine transport company Orient Overseas Intl declined by 4.8% and 4.2%, respectively.

Japan

On the other hand, Japan's Nikkei 225 Index added 0.3% to reach 32,926.35.

The largest increase among the constituents of the Nikkei 225 Index was seen in shares of personal electronics company Sharp Corp., as they added 7.2%.

However, diversified holding companies company Kawasaki Heavy Industries saw the largest decrease on Wednesday, with shares dropping by 4.1%.

Shares of cinema film production firm Toho Co Ltd and computers/consumer electronics company Fujitsu fell by 3.7% each.

Other Markets

China's Shanghai Composite Index declined by 1.2% to reach 2,968.76.

Singapore stocks remained flat as The FTSE Straits Times Index stayed at 3,103.28.

The KOSPI Composite Index of South Korean stocks dropped by 1.0%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index of Australian stocks added 0.3%.

Among the noteworthy gainers in other markets were pharmaceuticals firm Hansoh Pharmaceutical and online service providers company Netease, rising by 2.1% and 1.7% respectively.

Similarly, shares of semiconductors firm Advantest Corp and semiconductors company Tokyo Electron gained 5.6% and 4.7% respectively.