Tokyo, Japan (BBN)-Asia markets opened lower on Wednesday after Japan's central bank held back from unleashing new stimulus measures, and as investors look ahead to the Federal Reserve meeting.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei and the broader Topix both opened 0.7 per cent lower, reports BBC.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was trading flat after falling iron ore prices dragged on mining shares.
South Korea's Kospi was 0.3 per cent higher despite data showing the unemployment rate hit a five-year high in February.
The rate rose to 4.1 per cent from 3.5 per cent, which was higher than economist expectations, due to a contraction in the manufacturing and construction sectors.
Both the Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng were up about 0.2 per cent after an hour of trade.
Analysts say the market is now focused on the two-day Federal Reserve meeting which concludes on Wednesday.
The rate-setting committee is expected to keep borrowing costs on hold but its economic commentary will be closely scrutinised for hints about future moves.
"Another hike is sharply at odds with Fed concerns about increased uncertainty around global/China outlook and market turbulence tightening credit conditions," Vishnu Varathan from Mizuho Bank said.
He said that attention was focused on any hints the bank might make about the frequency of interest rate rises this year, which in December suggested four rounds of 25 basis point rises, whereas the market currently expects no more than one increase.
STOCK MOVER
Shares of Japanese consumer electronics firm Sharp slumped by as much as 11 per cent in Tokyo on reports a takeover deal may be delayed.
According to Reuters, Taiwan's Foxconn - also known as Hon Hai Precision - may postpone finalising the $6bn (£4.2bn) purchase of Sharp after receiving "new material information" and is requesting more guidance on its latest quarterly performance.
BBN/SK/AD