Asian markets settle mostly higher on Wednesday

Asian markets settled mostly higher on Wednesday tracking Wall Street’s gains overnight, despite a sharp decline in US consumer confidence for the fourth consecutive month and uncertainty over tariffs. Meanwhile, ratings agency Moody’s has warned on the US fiscal outlook, saying US President Dinald Trump’s policies could make it more difficult to offset rising deficit and debt. Seoul shares gained as technology and auto shares surge amid relief over the US President’s recent comments on tariff sanctions. Also, a survey showed that Korea’s business sentiment rebounded for the first time in five months in March. Further, Japanese shares rose after Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged to take strong measures to curb soaring prices. However, Chinese shares declined marginally after the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index tumbled for a sixth consecutive day, marking its longest losing streak in more than a year.