Investing.com - Asian shares traded mixed on Tuesday with regional sentiment overshadowed by investors awaiting a flurry of Fed policymaker views and the next global steps in trade as the U.K. gets set to exit the European Union.
The Japanese benchmark dropped 0.5%, but reports emerged that Toshiba's U.S. Westinghouse Electric is taking offers for a financing package to help it go through U.S. bankruptcy. Toshiba shares rose 1.42%.
The Shanghai Composite fell 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.06%.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 eased 0.19% after the RBA's March meeting minutes revealed that the central bank saw growing risks in the overheating housing market. Also in Australia, engineering and construction firm Downer EDI is looking to launch a A$1.27 billion ($981 million) takeover bid for cleaning and catering company Spotless Group at A$1.15 per share.
Overnight, U.S. stocks closed mixed on Monday, as markets mulled over comments from Federal Reserve officials while a softer tone on protectionism from G20 financial leaders at the weekend weighed on upside momentum.
In what was quiet day for top-tier economic releases, investors turned attention to comments from Federal Reserve officials, after the US central bank last Wednesday, maintained its previous outlook of two more rate hikes in 2017.
Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans said Monday, four rate hikes could be a possibility if “things really pick up” and pointed out the economic fundamentals are “solid”.
Meanwhile, a policy statement from G20 financial leaders at the weekend, weighed on upside momentum, after the group of twenty dropped a pledge to keep global trade free and open.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.04% lower at 20,905. The S&P 500 shed 0.22% and the Nasdaq Composite closed higher at 5,901. The Dow has closed lower for three straight sessions.