The stock exchanges in Japan and China began Wednesday's trading by moving in different directions in a situation where investors are awaiting the highly anticipated interest rate decision from the American central bank, which will come later on Wednesday.
In Tokyo, the important Nikkei 225 index had risen by 0.7 percent by lunchtime, while the broader Topix index added 0.4.
Somewhat gloomier tones were heard from China, where the composite index in Shanghai was hovering around zero, while Shenzhen's composite index fell 0.9.
In Hong Kong and South Korea, the stock exchanges are closed due to holiday celebrations.
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