Asian markets open mixed after Wall Street hits fresh records

Mettis Global reported that Asian equity markets traded mixed on Wednesday as participants balanced record closes on Wall Street against higher U.S. bond yields and lingering geopolitical worries. Japan's Nikkei 225 was roughly flat at the opening bell while the broader Topix rose 0.18%. South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.57% and the Kosdaq eased 0.27%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.13%.

Hang Seng fell 0.65% in early trade, and mainland China stayed shut for the Golden Week holiday, according to CNBC. Futures for the Nikkei 225 signalled a firmer start, with the Chicago and Osaka contracts priced at 71,020 and 70,070 against the prior close of 70,683.98. Hang Seng futures sat at 24,272, a touch under their previous close of 24,280.56.

Yields on U.S. government debt drew attention, with the 10-year at 5.286% after its peak since April 2002 on Monday, while the 30-year stood near 5.661%. Investor Ray Dalio told Bloomberg that China was hesitant to keep buying U.S. debt, and the energy benchmarks WTI and Brent each finished Tuesday under 1% higher. Attention now turns to the minutes from the Federal Reserve's September gathering, due out Wednesday, which could offer more signals on the rate outlook.