Asian markets today, May 20 -- Asia-Pacific markets traded lower on Wednesday, 20 May, as investors assessed rising bond yields and fresh geopolitical concerns.

Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 0.88%, while the TOPIX fell 0.75%. South Korea's KOSPI declined 0.52%, and the small-cap KOSDAQ dropped 2.15%.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 eased 0.5%. Meanwhile, futures for the Hang Seng Index stood at 25,603, below the index's previous close of 25,797.85.

Back home, the early trend on Gift Nifty indicated a weak opening of the Indian stock market. The index was trading 152 points or 0.65% down to 23,400 on Wednesday.

"Indian equity markets are likely to begin today's session on a cautious to bearish note, with Gift Nifty indicating a weaker opening nea...