Asian shares trade mixed with some exchanges closed ahead of the New Year

Major Asian stock markets, including Tokyo and Seoul, are closed for the yearend and New Year’s holidays, while trading was mixed in those bourses that remained open. In China, the Hang Seng index fell in early Wednesday trading, while the Shanghai Composite rose slightly. The Taiex in Taiwan gained. Shares were slightly lower in Sydney. Tokyo trading was set to be closed for the New Year’s holidays Thursday and Friday and scheduled to reopen on Monday. In South Korea, trading was scheduled to be closed Thursday. Trading remains open Wednesday on Wall Street, but will be closed Thursday.