HONG KONG, May 10: Asian markets were mixed in cautious trade on Thursday as Greek politicians struggled to form a coalition and European officials warned its latest tranche of bailout cash could be the last.

Adding to the uneasy mood were results from China showing import growth in April virtually unmoved while exports increased less than expected, adding to ongoing concerns about the world’s number two economy.

Chinese authorities said the economy posted a trade surplus of $18.4 billion in April, better than expectations but it came on the back of weak imports and exports.

The data showed imports edged up just 0.3 per cent year-on-year in April — well off the 10 per cent expected —while export growth slowed to 4.9 per cent, weaker than the 8.5 per cent increase forecast.

Tokyo fell 0.39 per cent, or 35.41 points, to 9,009.65 and Seoul slipped 0.27 per cent, or 5.36 points, to 1,944.93 while Sydney gained 0.48 per cent, or 20.5 points, to 4,295.6.

Hong Kong fell 0.51 per cent, or 103.36 points, to 20,227.28 and Shanghai was flat, edging up 1.64 points to 2,410.23.

Singapore ended flat, edging up 2.69 points to 2,903.6. Fraser and Neave gained 2.79 per cent to S$6.99 and Singapore Telecom advanced 1.58 per cent to S$3.21.

Wellington closed up 0.27 per cent, or 9.58 points, at 3,569.05.

Telecom rose 0.75 per cent to NZ$2.67 while Chorus gained 1.59 per cent to NZ$3.2.

Manila fell 0.44 per cent, or 22.69 points, to 5,192.1.

Taipei added 0.11 per cent, or 8.3 points, to 7,484.01.

Jakarta added 0.11 per cent, or 4.57 points, to close at 4,133.63.

Kuala Lumpur rose 0.2 per cent, or 3.16 points, to 1,588.06.

Bangkok fell 1.38 per cent, or 16.6 points, to 1,190.65.

Mumbai fell 0.36 per cent, or 59.53 points, to 16,420.05. —AFP