- Asian stocks fell on Wednesday, as traders exited risky positions ahead of a US inflation report that will influence the Federal Reserve's policy decisions.
- A regional equity benchmark was down about 0.5%, on track for its biggest loss in more than two weeks. Shares of Chinese state-owned enterprises fell further after a recent rally, with an index of central government-owned enterprises down more than 1%.
- After falling 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively, on Tuesday, contracts for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 were slightly higher in Asia. Benchmark indicators shifted from Japan to Australia.
