Asian stocks were mixed Monday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 falling as export-related shares such as Canon Inc. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. declined on concerns over the U.S. economic outlook. Losses were capped as the U.S. dollar stabilized against major currencies.
Japan's Nikkei 225 Average fell 18.19 points, or 0.11 percent, to finish at 16,303.59 while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 11.91 points, or 0.1 percent, to 18,702.73.
The yen's general strength in recent weeks prompted some investors to sell exporters like Nissan Motor Co., which fell 1.4 percent to 1,393 yen (US$12.05; euro9.10).
But retailers and other stocks considered heavily dependent on the domestic economy rose, with supermarket chain operator Seiyu gaining 1.2 percent to 163 yen (US$1.41; euro1.06).
Elsewhere:
BANGKOK: Thailand's shares ended higher. The Stock Exchange of Thailand's SET index gained 1.07 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 742.45.
JAKARTA: Indonesian shares fell as selling in banks kept the index in negative territory. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite index closed 3.515 points down, or 0.2 percent, to end at 1,731.235.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's key stock index dropped as investors locked in profits from shares that had enjoyed recent gains. The Composite Index of 100 blue chips dipped 0.3 percent, or 2.67 points, to 1,077.44.
MANILA: Philippine shares moved up on foreign buying in banks and property stocks. The benchmark 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 6.84 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,795.30.
MUMBAI: Indian markets advanced slightly as auto and cement shares rose sharply on strong sales data for November. The Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-stock Sensitive Index, or Sensex, rose 29.55 points, or 0.2 percent, to 13874.33.
SEOUL: South Korean shares fell on U.S. market losses as disappointing U.S. economic data released late Friday sent the Korean won to more than a nine-year high. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, fell 0.6 percent, or 7.90 points, to 1,426.46.
SHANGHAI: Chinese stocks advanced to hit a fresh 5-year high as traders said securities funds flock to buy yuan-denominated A shares in a hope to profit from continued yuan rises. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 2.8 percent to 2,161.65, its highest close since July 23, 2001, when it ended at 2,169. The Shenzhen Composite Index gained 2.2 percent to 511.40.
SINGAPORE: Singapore shares ended higher with most activity taking place among companies not listed on the main index. The benchmark Straits Times Index rose 14.7 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 2,850.7.
TAIPEI: Taiwan shares rose for the fourth session in row to a new 6-year high. The Weighted Price Index of the Taiwan Stock Exchange rose 33.44 points, or 0.4 percent, to close at 7647.01 points.
WELLINGTON: New Zealand's shares closed down as the benchmark NZX-50 index dipped 19.37 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 3,835.04.
SYDNEY: Australian stocks declined following losses on Wall Street Friday after a report showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted in November, fueling fears of a slowdown in the U.S. economy. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 0.06 percent, or 3 points, to 5,424.9.
With files from wire services
