Asian stock markets closed mixed Thursday, as Tokyo shares declined for a second straight day.
Tokyo's Nikkei index lost 19 points to finish at 11,583. The average lost 44 points on Wednesday.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index dropped 48 points to end at 13,968. The Hang Seng rose 20 points on Wednesday.
In the region's other big market, Singapore, the Straits Times index gained 9 points to close at 2,164.
Elsewhere, share prices were higher in Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Sydney and Wellington. Markets were lower in Bangkok, Bombay, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei.
In late afternoon Tokyo currency trading, the dollar was selling at 105.26 yen, up .27 yen from the same time Wednesday.
In Hong Kong, the price of gold rose 40 cents to close at $425.45 an ounce.
