Stock market today: Asian markets are mixed, Shanghai falls as Fitch lowers China’s rating outlook

ELAINE KURTENBACH

Shares were mixed Wednesday in Asia after U.S. stock indexes held at a near standstill ahead of some potentially market-moving reports.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 1.7% to 17,115.94, while the Shanghai Composite index lost 0.8% to 3,026.11 after Fitch Ratings lowered its outlook for China’s public finances.

The report by Fitch cited increased risks due to China’s shift away from reliance on its troubled property sector and rising public debt.

“There is little clarity on reform measures to support medium-term fiscal consolidation,” it said.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gave up 0.5% to 39,581.81 and the S&P/ASX 200 in Sydney gained 0.3%, to 7,848.50.

India’s Sensex advanced 0.3% and the SET in Bangkok climbed 0.5%.

Markets in South Korea were closed for an election.

On Tuesday, the S&P 500 edged up 0.1% to 5,209.91 after barely budging the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped less than 0.1%,