Shares in Asia Pacific were mixed on Thursday amid reports of a potential delay in the signing of a U.S.-China trade deal.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 26.5 points, or 0.1%, to 23,330.32. Shares of Softbank Group fell 2.22% after the Japanese conglomerate announced its first quarterly loss in 14 years on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, automaker Toyota saw its stock jump 1.1% after reporting a more than 14% jump in operating profit for the second quarter as compared to a year ago.
The Japanese yen traded at 108.76 against the U.S. dollar after strengthening from levels above 109 yesterday.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index vaulted 158.59 points, or 0.6%, to 27,847.23, as shares of Chinese tech giant Tencent fell 1.2%.
Earlier, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 9% increase in the seasonally adjusted balance on goods and services in September, as compared with the previous month.
The Australian dollar was at $0.6869 after slipping from levels above $0.690 in the previous session.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 regained seven points, or 0.2%, to 3,991.88
Investors watched for market reaction to overnight developments on U.S.-China trade, following reports that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may not meet to sign a trade deal until December.
The meeting between Trump and Xi could be pushed back as the two sides still need to decide on the terms and a venue. Trump is scheduled to be in London for a gathering of NATO leaders on Dec. 3 - 4, and a potential signing could happen nearby before or after that visit.
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex lost 46.51 points, or 0.4%, to 11,606.56
In Korea, the Kospi nicked ahead 0.14 points to 2,144.29
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index advanced 23.03 points, or 0.7%, to 3,285.72
In Australia, the ASX 200 picked up 66.47 points, or 1%, to 6,726.63
In New Zealand, the NZX restocked 35.88 points, or 0.3%, to 10,795.06
