Stocks in the Asia-Pacific Region See Growth

Japanese shares climbed for the second session, contributing to an overall increase in stocks across the Asia-Pacific region on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index

The Hang Seng Index (HSI) of Hong Kong companies experienced a 0.7% rise, reaching 16,613.81.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Index

Japanese companies witnessed a notable increase with the Nikkei 225 Index (NIK) rising by 1.4% to reach 33,675.94.

Chinese Companies Face Decline

Chinese companies, on the other hand, encountered a decline as the Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) fell by 1.0% to reach 2,902.11.

Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index

Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) also experienced a slight drop by 0.3%, reaching 3,108.42.

Positive Movement in South Korea and Australia

South Korean stocks saw a significant gain, with the KOSPI Composite Index (180721) increasing by 1.8% and reaching 2,614.30. Meanwhile, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index (XJO) rose by 0.7% and reached 7,537.90.

Top Performers in the Nikkei 225 Index

Amongst the constituents of the Nikkei 225 Index, printing company Toppan Holdings (7911) witnessed the largest increase, with a growth of 8.4%.

Pharmaceuticals firm Sumitomo Pharma (4506) and marine freight company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (9107) also saw significant growth, both rising by 5.6%.

Largest Drop in Japan

Multiutilities company Kansai Electric Power (9503) experienced the largest drop in Japan, with shares decreasing by 4.7%.

Shares of gas utilities firm Tokyo Gas (9531) and electric power distribution company Chubu Electric Power (9502) declined by 3.9% and 3.0% respectively.

Standout Performers in the Hang Seng Index

Amongst the constituents of the Hang Seng Index, property managers company Country Garden Svcs (6098) observed the largest increase, with shares rising by 5.2%.

Gambling industries firm Sands China (1928) and etailing company JD.com (9618) also performed well, both experiencing growth with gains of 4.9% and 3.3% respectively.

Decline in Hong Kong's Market

In Hong Kong, dairy products company China Mengniu Dairy (2319) saw the largest decline, with shares dropping by 1.7% on Wednesday.

Shares of pharmacies/drugstores firm JD Health International (6618) and meat processing company WH Group (288) also faced a decline, with decreases of 1.6% and 1.4% respectively.