Asian stocks trade mixed amid OPEC talks, US GDP eyed

The stocks on the Asian indices were trading a mixed bag, as traders remain on the back foot amid ongoing OPEC output cut consultations, while attention turns towards the US GDP report due later in the NA session.

Subdued trading activity seen around oil prices combined with the recent gains in the Japanese currency, keeps the Japanese stocks under pressure.  Further, upbeat economic news from Japan, also failed to boost the region’s indices. More so, a negative close on the Wall Street overnight also dampened investors’ sentiment.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 drops -0.27% to 18,306, the Australian S&P/ASX 200 advances 0.31% to 5,481. The Chinese equities edge higher, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite index up +0.22%, while CSI300 index ticks +0.68% higher. Hong Kong markets trade modestly flat around 22,800 levels.