Investing.com - Major indices across the Asian-Pacific are set for modest declines on Wednesday morning as market participants brace for Services PMIs from China and Japan as well as Australian retail sales and fresh inflation reports from the Philippines and Thailand.
China Services PMI
The latest Caixin China purchasing managers’ index will provide further insights into the performance of the world’s second-largest economy.
The yuan was little changed in early trading Wednesday. It will be in focus later in the morning when China’s central bank announces its daily fix for the currency.
Earlier in the week, China abruptly series of curbs on exports of some metals widely used in semiconductor and electric vehicle production.
Australia Retail Sales
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was trading 0.2% lower as investors continued to digest the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to hold rates at 4.1% on yesterday.
Key retail sales data is slated for release later in the session amid expectations of a 0.7% lift.
The Australian dollar was trading steady at $0.6694.