Markets were mixed Wednesday in the face of worrying signs for Japanese exports, as investors await signals from US policymakers of an interest rate cut in the world’s largest economy.

Traders have also been watching a recent diplomatic whirlwind to resolve the protracted war in Ukraine, after President Donald Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Eyes are now on potential face-to-face talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has said he is ready for such a meeting.

Tokyo dropped sharply on Wednesday, closing the day down 1.5 percent. South Korea and Taipei also finished down.

Hong Kong recovered from a morning dip to advance slightly during afternoon trading, closing up 0.2 percent.

Shanghai, Sydney, Jakarta and Bang

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