HONG KONG, April 2: Asian stocks closed mixed on Monday with a volatile performance by Wall Street last week, and a host of domestic factors impacting on regional sentiment.
New York had wobbled to a mixed finish as better-than-expected economic data was offset by worries that US trade sanctions slapped on China might spark growing protectionism.
TOKYO: Share prices closed down 1.50 per cent, reversing early gains as investors remained nervous about the outlook for the US economy.
The Nikkei-225 index fell 259.24 points to 17,028.41. Turnover was 2.34 billion shares, up from 1.94 billion on Friday.
HONG KONG: Share prices closed flat, giving up early gains as the Japanese stock market reversed direction and finished sharply lower.
SYDNEY: Share prices fell 1.32 per cent after investor sentiment was rattled by speculation the central bank will raise interest rates this week.
The SP/ASX 200 shed 79.2 points to 5,915.8. Turnover was 1.43 billion shares worth 4.48 billion dollars (3.65 billion US).
SINGAPORE: Share prices closed 0.47 per cent higher but pulled back from earlier gains after steep losses on the Bombay stock exchange, and the Tokyo market's fall.
KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices closed marginally lower, down 0.05 per cent on some profit-taking, with trading generally listless amid some caution on the international front.
JAKARTA: Share prices rose 1.0 per cent to close at a record high on improved prospects for corporate earnings and further interest rate cuts.
WELLINGTON: Share prices closed 0.74 per cent higher, supported by gains in market leader Telecom.
The NZX-50 gross index rose 30.80 points to 4,137.95 on turnover worth 89.4 million dollars (60 million US).
Stephen Wright of ASB Securities said the market had moved higher after a quiet start, with Telecom rising 10 cents to 4.83 dollars.
MUMBAI: Share prices plunged 4.72 per cent, the sharpest fall in nearly a year as bank, auto and housing stocks were sold off after a central bank interest rate hike.
The 30-share Mumbai Sensex fell 616.73 points to 12,455.37.
State Bank of India fell 62.65 rupees to 930.25.—AFP