Asia markets trade mixed; oil stocks under focus

AFTER tumultuous trading on Tuesday with major indices tanking, most investors seemed content to remain on the sidelines while waiting for the conclusion of the US Federal Reserve's rate decision.

Asian markets regained their footing from the previous session, but traded mixed on Wednesday, with any gains muted.

Singapore stocks finished higher on Wednesday, with the Straits Times Index gaining 0.4 per cent or 13.11 points to 3,058.65. Across the rest of Asia, the Shanghai bourse ended the day lower at 1.05 per cent while Hong Kong traded 0.20 per cent higher. In Japan, the benchmark index lost 0.60 per cent on the day. Australia also finished the day lower, the index weighed by energy stocks.