Equity indices are mostly lower, the.........>

STOCKS: Equity indices are mostly lower, the Nikkei 225 is 55 points lower at

22,703. The index opened lower after yen strengthened against the dollar -

USD/JPY fell from 113.55 to around 112.60 on Wednesday. The Nikkei 225 quickly

regained the lost ground and was in positive territory before dropping heading

into the afternoon session. 4/11 sectors are in the red, led lower by

Telecommunications companies. Rakuten were earlier down almost 5% after the

announcement of its mobile network plan, Financials are also weak moving

alongside US banks as yields fall post FOMC announcement where they hiked rates

but kept the number of hikes for next year at 3.

- In Australia the ASX 200 is down around 0.5 points at 6022. The index was

higher in the early part of the session but after hitting highs of 6043 an hour

in to trade before grinding lower. 5/11 sectors are in the red, led lower by

Utilities. AGL energy are the biggest loser after earnings earlier this week.

- Shanghai Comp. down 6.5 points at 3296 and the Hang Seng down 3.15 points at

29218. The PBOC raised rates in step with the FOMC, increasing the prospect of

tightening liquidity and hit investor sentiment.