Markets cautious prior to trade-deal signing

ASIAN markets pulled back on the eve of the signing of the US-China trade pact and adopted a more cautious tone on news that the deal would not cut existing tariffs on Chinese goods.

Aside from Australia, where the S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.5 per cent on gains in gold stocks, most regional markets ended lower on Wednesday.

Shares in Japan and South Korea snapped winning streaks as investors seized the opportunity to lock in profits gained over the last three to four sessions. China and Hong Kong also saw losses of 0.2 to 0.5 per cent.