Japanese service sector activity expanded at its quickest pace in seven months in March, underpinned by strong demand particularly for inbound tourism, a business survey showed on Wednesday.

Job creation in South Asian economies is not keeping pace with the rise in the working age population, putting the region on a path that risks "squandering its demographic dividend", the World Bank said on Tuesday.

China's services activity growth accelerated in March as new business rose at the quickest pace in three months, a private-sector survey showed on Wednesday, a sign sentiment was staging a tentative recovery in the world's second-largest economy.

New orders for U.S.-manufactured goods rebounded more than expected in February, boosted by demand for machinery and commercial aircraft as manufacturing regains its footing.

U.S. job openings edged up in February, though labor market conditions are gradually easing in support of expectations that the Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates by June.

Asian shares tracked Wall Street lower on Wednesday as U.S. yields held near four-month highs, while a powerful earthquake in the region raised concerns about possible disruptions to the vital chip-making industry.