Dhaka, Sept. 17 -- Asian markets traded mixed Wednesday after U.S. stocks pulled back slightly from record highs, with investor attention fixed on the Federal Reserve's expected first interest rate cut of the year.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.2% to 44,995.79 in morning trading. The Finance Ministry reported exports to the U.S. fell 13.8% in August from a year earlier, marking a fifth consecutive monthly decline as auto shipments slumped under President Donald Trump's tariffs. Although Washington lowered tariffs on Japanese vehicles and parts this week to 15% from 27.5%, they remain well above the previous 2.5%. Japan's overall exports were nearly flat in August, slipping 0.1%, as growth to Europe and the Middle East offset U.S. weakness. ...