Many of Asia-Pacific’s major markets regained some lost ground on Wednesday, helped by the Fed Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s concern over the impact of a weaker dollar on inflation, which boosted the currency and sent down crude oil prices. That provided some relief to Asian markets, though gains were muted.

The weaker yen, which traded back into Y105 territory during Tokyo trading, after reaching Y103.92 overnight, aided exporters, boosting the Nikkei. Honda shares roared 8 per cent higher to Y3,770, after it said its US sales jumped 11 per cent in May.