Most Asian markets rise
Friday, 13 July 2007
HONG KONG, July 12 (AP): Most Asian markets rose Thursday as Hong Kong stocks bounced back and as shares in South Korea and Indonesia hit new records. Japanese shares, however, slipped for a third day.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index shed 65.37 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 17,984.14 points. It was the first close below 18,000 since June 28 and followed an 1.10 per cent drop Wednesday.
Declines were led by securities shares, which were dragged down by concerns that the problems in the US subprime-loan sector might spill over into the Japanese market.
"(The Nikkei) dropping below 18,000 is not a big deal," said Koichi Takatsuka, senior fund manager at United Investments.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index shed 65.37 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 17,984.14 points. It was the first close below 18,000 since June 28 and followed an 1.10 per cent drop Wednesday.
Declines were led by securities shares, which were dragged down by concerns that the problems in the US subprime-loan sector might spill over into the Japanese market.
"(The Nikkei) dropping below 18,000 is not a big deal," said Koichi Takatsuka, senior fund manager at United Investments.