Most Asian markets finished higher Wednesday, as a slightly firmer close on Wall Street and retreating global oil prices provided buying support, reported AP. Hong Kong shares rebounded, as investors were relieved by local banks' decision not to match an interest rate hike in the U.S. The Hang Seng Index gained 51.07 points, or 0.4 percent, to finish at 13,945.05. On Tuesday, the Hang Seng shed 14.99 points, or 0.1 percent. The U.S. Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee raised interest rates by 25 basis points on Tuesday. But Hong Kong banks, including HSBC Holdings PLC and Bank of East Asia Ltd., have announced that they are keeping their prime rates unchanged. Analysts said ratings agency Standard & Poor's decision to upgrade its outlook on Hong Kong's long-term foreign currency rating also boosted sentiment. In New York Tuesday, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.1 percent, and the tech-focused Nasdaq composite index also gained 0.2 percent. --more 1439 Local Time 1139 GMT
