Most Asian markets closed lower Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve rate decision later in the session. Japan finished slightly lower, but Shanghai was the stand out performer, up almost 5 percent.

Asian markets were lackluster on Tuesday following a flat finish in the U.S. stock market. But Greater China shares remained firm on the back of positive corporate earnings. Most investors were sidelined and cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting.

Asian markets trimmed their early gains on Monday as investors took a breather following a rally in financial stocks. But many remained optimistic that the banking sector may finally be putting the credit crunch behind it.

A bounce in the U.S. dollar lifted some Asian stock markets on Friday, while crude oil sank further from its recent $120 a barrel record, dragging energy firms down but boosting airline counters.  Japan finished at a two-month high.

Asian stocks were mixed in the afternoon session Thursday with Japan and Australia closing lower. But the Shanghai market took centerstage, surging as much as 9.5 percent at one point after a stamp duty tax cut gave flagging Chinese stocks a boost.

Defeated in Pennsylvania, Barack Obama quickly turned his attention to the next opportunity to dispense with Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton in hopes of facing the Republican nominee-in-waiting.

Asian markets were stronger Wednesday, shrugging off the burden of near $120-a-barrel oil and a record high euro, to continue a rally that has recovered all the ground lost last month. Shanghai surged over 4 percent, while Australia gained 1.6 percent.

Asian markets came under pressure on Tuesday after U.S. stocks pulled in a mixed performance.  Investors sold financials following weak earnings from Bank of America.

Asian stocks rose to their highest level in seven weeks on Monday, as investors cheered upbeat earnings from U.S. bellwethers which triggered a rally in U.S. stocks last Friday.

Asian markets eked out some gains Friday. Stocks spent the better part of the session dipping below and above the line. Japan and South Korea pulled ahead at the close, finishing higher, but China and Australia closed weaker.

Asian stock indexes made firm gains Thursday, with the exception of the Shanghai Composite Index, boosted by financial and technology stocks with Japan, South Korea and Australia all closing stronger.

Asian markets moved forward Wednesday, with high-tech exporters buoyed by a reassuring outlook from industry leader Intel and energy shares underpinned by record high oil prices. Japan and Australia both closed over 1 percent higher

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain on Tuesday called for a summer gas tax holiday for Americans wincing at high pump prices as part of a wide-ranging plan to help the ailing U.S. economy.

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain on Tuesday called for a summer gas tax holiday for Americans wincing at high pump prices as part of a wide-ranging plan to help the ailing U.S. economy.

Asian markets wavered between losses and gains Tuesday, but closed broadly higher, as oil and gold prices gained. The U.S. dollar struggled to attract buyers due to signs of a weak earnings season for banks, which could expose yet more subprime losses and punish stocks worldwide.