Asian stocks mixed as oil holds losses on Ukraine peace talks

Asian equity markets traded mixed on Wednesday, weighed down by a technology-led selloff on Wall Street that prompted investors to reassess the durability of the recent artificial intelligence-driven rally. Tokyo's Nikkei declined, while Hong Kong's benchmark posted a modest recovery supported by expectations of further Chinese stimulus measures. Oil prices held most of their previous session's losses, pressured by developments in Ukraine peace negotiations. Brent crude traded below $65 a barrel, while U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate slipped under $60. Market sentiment remained cautious as investors monitored the risk of a U.S. government shutdown and awaited upcoming economic data. On Tuesday, the Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq had all closed lower after a selloff in major technology shares. Uncertainty surrounding the peace talks continues to fuel volatility in energy markets.