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, -0.75% slipped after data showed disappointing readings in factory activity and manufacturer confidence. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index HSI, -0.54% 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, +0.06% , Singapore STI, +0.01% and Indonesia JAKIDX, +0.72% rose slightly. Australia’s S&P/ASX XJO, -0.07% was about flat.
Among individual stocks, Honda 7267, +1.26% and Inpex 1605, +0.76% gained in Tokyo trading, while SoftBank Group 9984, -1.99% and Nintendo 7974, -1.32% fell. In Hong Kong, Apple suppliers AAC 2018, +1.75% and Sunny Optical 2382, +2.64% jumped, while Geely Automotive 0175, -4.57% 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, +1.64% and Fortescue Metals FMG, +1.48% rose in Australia.
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