Asian stocks wallowed near six-week lows on Wednesday and the dollar stood strong against a broad swathe of currencies including the Japanese yen as concerns grew about the fading impact of the world's major central banks to stimulate growth.
The MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.2 percent, holding around levels last visited in early August. The index has extended its decline since late last week to 4.4 percent though some early signs of consolidation were seen.
Japan's Nikkei share average slipped to a 2-1/2-week closing low on Wednesday, dragged down by weaker bank stocks amid heightened speculation that the Bank of Japan will cut interest rates deeper into negative territory.
The Nikkei dropped 0.7 percent to 16,614.24, the lowest closing level since Aug. 26.
China stocks fell in thin trading on Wednesday ahead of a long holiday weekend, with the market capping the shortened trading week with its worst performance in several months.
The blue-chip CSI300 index closed down 0.7 percent at 3,238.73 points, while the Shanghai Composite Index finished down 0.7 percent at 3,002.85 points.
Hong Kong stocks were little changed on Wednesday as traders were reluctant to make any big bets ahead of next week's Federal Reserve policy meeting.
The Hang Seng index finished down 0.1 percent at 23,190.64 points, while the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index fell 0.3 percent to 9,542.52 points.
Reference: Reuters
Thai
Eng