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Asian shares slipped and the dollar inched higher in early Asian trade on Wednesday, as concerns about a possible US government shutdown and uncertainty about the US Federal Reserve's policy outlook made investors hesitant to take aggressive positions.
The Dow and S&P 500 ended lower on Tuesday, extending their recent slide to a fourth session as worries over a possible US government shutdown added to investor caution.
Asian shares slipped and the dollar inched higher in early Asian trade on Wednesday, as concerns about a possible US government shutdown and uncertainty about the US Federal Reserve's policy outlook made investors hesitant to take aggressive positions.
The euro was on the defensive on Wednesday following weaker-than-expected German sentiment data, while worries over a possible US government shutdown underpinned the yen against the dollar.
Oil prices firmed against a backdrop of hopeful signals that longstanding tensions in the Middle East could be thawing. Front-month Brent crude for November delivery rose about 0.1 percent to $108.79, while November US crude added 0.2 percent to $103.37 a barrel.
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The Dow and S&P 500 ended lower on Tuesday, extending their recent slide to a fourth session as worries over a possible US government shutdown added to investor caution.[/caption]
Gold was trading in a tight range early on Wednesday amid lingering uncertainty over the outlook for US economic stimulus and lacklustre physical demand. Spot gold had risen 0.1 percent to $1,324.26 an ounce by 0018 GMT, extending slight gains from the day before after three days of losses.
SGX Nifty futures on Singapore Stock Exchange was down a marginal 0.02 percent at 5918, indicating a flat opening for the shares on the domestic bourses.
Stocks in news
Financial Technologies, after auditors raised serious doubts on accounts of the company saying the financial statements for 2012-13 cannot be "relied upon" any "longer" in the wake of payment crisis at the firm's subsidiary, NSEL.
Reliance Industries, after a report in the Business Standard that the CAG may hold regulator and the company responsible for the alleged hoarding of gas in KG-D6.
Tilaknagar Industries, after a report in the Economic Times that the company is under I-T scanner for possible evasion.
Oil marketing companies, after Minister Veerappa Moily said there will be no diesel price increase for now.
