Most Asian stock markets were lower Thursday, with investors reevaluating hopes of Federal Reserve stimulus measures at the central bank’s monthly meeting later in the day, while iPhone-supported network operators were higher following the latest release of the Apple Inc. gadget.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 Index gained a slight 35.19 points, or 0.4%, to 8,995.15
The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong tripped 27.76 points, or 0.1%, to 20,047.63
Around the region, central banks showed a slightly more hawkish tone, opting to hold key interest rates unchanged in New Zealand and South Korea in decision announcements Thursday.
Germany’s court ruling came a week after the European Central Bank unveiled a bond-buying program designed to lower borrowing costs for distressed countries in the region.
Japanese technology names found support as Appleunveiled its iPhone 5 in the U.S.
Sharp Corp. ended 0.5% lower amid reports that the electronics major has begun shipping display screens for the iPhone 5.
Shares of Apple supplier LG Display Co. fell 2.2% in Seoul.
Among other Tokyo-listed techs, Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp. nudged up 2.2% and 1.8% respectively, after announcing a cut to managers’ salaries Tuesday.
Nintendo Co. rallied 2.3% ahead of its event to detail its Wii U gaming device later in the day.
Also moving higher in Tokyo, trading house Itochu Corp. rose 0.8% on news it was in talks to buy two Dole Food Co. units.
Japanese shippers jumped after recent weakness. Nippon Yusen K.K. climbed 4.5% and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. surged 6.3%.
Property firms led the advance in Hong Kong. Agile Property Holdings Ltd. was up 2.1% and China Resources Land Ltd. added 4.5%.
Losses for resources firms weighed in Sydney trading, with Alumina Ltd. dropping 1.5%, iron-ore miner Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. down 14%, and energy major Oil Search Ltd. off by 0.8%.
Shares of Rio Tinto Ltd. eased 0.1%, as the diversified miner said fundamentals for diamonds remain strong.
Australian retailer Myer Holdings Ltd. fell 1.1% after it posted a fall in annual profit and said the sector’s outlook remained uncertain.
In other markets
Shanghai’s CSI 300 index subsided 21.61 points, or 0.9%, to 2,298.46
Korea’s Kospi index inched up 0.66 points to 1,950.69
The Singapore Straits Times Index gained 0.48 points to 3,030.14
Taiwan’s Taiex Index added 8.35 points, or 0.1%, to 7,578.80
New Zealand’s NZX index gave back 3.68 points, or 0.1%, to 3,786.04
Australia’s ASX Index slid 21.83 points, or 0.5%, to 4,339.42
