New Delhi, April 17 -- Asian markets traded mostly higher on Thursday, while US stock market ended sharply lower overnight amid concerns over economic growth. While Japanese and South Korean markets traded higher, Hong Kong markets are likely to open on a weak note.

Here's a look at global markets today:

Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.59% at open, while the Topix index rose 0.26%. South Korea's Kospi index added 0.41%, while the small-cap Kosdaq rallied 1.02%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures indicated a weaker opening.

In Australia, S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.18% in early trade.

US stock market ended sharply lower on Wednesday, weighed down by broad-based selling and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who noted US economic ...