Oil prices extended losses on Wednesday and equity markets generally rose, fuelled by the US-Iran deal, with attention now on peace talks and the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Hong Kong and mainland shares were mixed, with the Hang Seng Index finishing 0.74 percent lower at 24,312.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index declined 1.17 percent to end at 8,144, and the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 0.22 percent to end at 4,669.

Up north, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index was up 0.4 percent to 4,108 and the Shenzhen Component Index closed 1.31 percent higher at 15,880.

Electronic chemicals, memory chips and semiconductor equipment stocks led the gains, while stocks related to tourism and hotel, coal mining and processing, and minor metals were among the biggest losers.

Crude has tumbled more than 10 percent this week on optimism for a lasting agreement between Tehran and Washington after more than three months of conflict that rattled energy markets and revived inflation.

The latest drop was boosted by a report in The Wall Street Journal that the US could ease sanctions on Iranian crude as part of the deal to end the war, allowing Iran to immediately sell crude and refined oil products.

Both main contracts started Wednesday slightly higher after shedding more than five percent on Tuesday before turning negative, though analysts warned that with so many hurdles ahead prices were likely to be sensitive to developments.

Equity markets generally advanced ahead of the US Federal Reserve's first policy announcement under its new chairman Kevin Warsh.

Tokyo and Seoul enjoyed their best finishes – both markets building on their breakneck tech rallies.

Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai and Taipei also rose, whereas Wellington, Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta fell. (AFP/Xinhua)



Edited by Tony Sabine