In US markets, Major indices fell after minutes from the July's US Federal Reserve's meeting offered few clues on the timing of a reduction in its bond-buying program. Economic data earlier on Wednesday showed U.S. home resales rose in July to their highest level in over three years.
On the European front, the British benchmark indices continued the fall with investors anxious over the prospect of a forthcoming scaling back of U.S. monetary stimulus. The market also took a technical hit as a clutch of companies including bank HSBC and Intercontinental Hotels began trading without entitlement to their latest dividend payout.
Nikkei opened on a gap down note during morning session on the back of overnight fall in US market after minutes from the July's US Federal Reserve's meeting offered few clues on the timing of a reduction in its bond-buying program. A strengthening dollar supported the indicies at lower levels. The China PMI data rose to a four-month high of 50.1 in August, beating expectations for a reading of 48.2.