Asian shares drop as investors focus on U.S. presidential debate

Asian share markets declined, while the dollar performed turbulently on Wednesday. This came after investors’ sentiment was dampened ahead of the first U.S. presidential debate, with markets closely weighing both parties.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan recorded a 0.1% decline. The index is set to finish 3.3% lower this month, the sharpest decline since March.

Japan’s benchmark index Nikkei dropped 0.2%, while Australian shares slid 1.3%. South Korean stocks recorded a 0.8% gain.

Futures made minimal earnings as China SFCc1, Hong Kong HSIc1, and S&P 500 futures firmed. The performance was swayed by the first U.S. presidential debate between Democrat Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. More so, it was backed by a strong reading in China’s manufacturing sector.