Overnight

Wednesday was mostly a flat day for Asian shares as poor Chinese export data, according to Reuters, offset would-be positive news about U.S. interest rates and a more positive outlook about oil.

The yen appreciation helped push down the Nikkek 225, 0.3%, the Shanghai Conposite fell 0.7% and the Hang Seng lost 0.4%. The MSCI Asia-Pacific slid 0.1%. The Australian ASX 220 was down 0.14%.

CNBC reported: Oil prices advanced overnight on expectations of stockpile drawdowns in the U.S. and global supply shortfalls. Reuters said a report from the American Petroleum Institute, released after prices settled, showed a higher-than-expected crude drawdown of 3.6 million barrels. 

During Asian hours, U.S. crude futures were nearly flat at $50.38, after settling up 1.4 percent on Tuesday. Global benchmark Brent was also flat at $51.41, following a 1.8 percent increase overnight. 

Chinese exports were soft, declining 4.1% in May from last year. Pundits expected a 3.6% drop while imports also fell 0.4% . Six percent was the expect d drop.