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Asia Markets: Asian markets quiet, shrugging off geopolitical news

Asian markets were mixed in early trading Thursday, tracking Wall Street’s lackluster trading day. Read More...

Asian markets were mixed in early trading Thursday, tracking Wall Street’s lackluster trading day.

Markets largely shrugged off a report that the U.S. and China may sign a long-negotiated trade deal in late May or early June, as well of claims that North Korea test-fired a new tactical guided weapon, its first such test since November.

Japan’s Nikkei NIK, -0.71%   slipped after data showed disappointing readings in factory activity and manufacturer confidence. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index HSI, -0.61%   fell slightly, while the Shanghai Composite SHCOMP, -0.23%   was about flat. South Korea’s Kospi SEU, -1.17%   fell 1%, while benchmark indexes in Taiwan Y9999, +0.03%  , Singapore STI, +0.01%   and Indonesia JAKIDX, +0.72%   rose slightly. Australia’s S&P/ASX XJO, -0.04%  was about flat.

Among individual stocks, Honda 7267, +1.29%   and Inpex 1605, +0.90%   gained in Tokyo trading, while SoftBank Group 9984, -2.33%   and Nintendo 7974, -1.29%   fell. In Hong Kong, Apple suppliers AAC 2018, +1.93%   and Sunny Optical 2382, +2.75%   jumped, while Geely Automotive 0175, -4.68%   sank. Samsung 005930, -2.55%   fell in South Korea, after reports that its expensive new foldable smartphone was breaking after just a day or two. Rio Tinto RIO, +1.68%   and Fortescue Metals FMG, +1.35%   rose in Australia.

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