Nikkei: 8,950.74 (–110.06) Hang Seng: 20,212.91 (–372.42) Shanghai Comp: 2,528.28 (–27.76): ASIAN STOCKS snapped a six-day streak of advances yesterday, ahead of reports expected to show the US jobless rate remained above 9 per cent last month, adding to signs growth in the world's largest economy is weakening.
“The US recovery remains anemic, with lingering concerns over job creation and house prices,” said Tim Schroeders, who helps manage $1 billion in equities at Pengana Capital in Melbourne.
Sony, the maker of Bravia televisions and game consoles, fell 4.3 per cent to ¥1,625 in Tokyo.
James Hardie Industries, a supplier of building materials that gets 68 per cent of sales from the US, dropped 2.1 per cent to A$6.03 in Sydney.
Li Fung, a toys and clothes supplier to Wal-Mart, sank 6.7 per cent to HK$13.84 in Hong Kong.
Toyota Motor, the world’s biggest car maker, dropped 1.6 per cent to ¥2,711. Honda Motor declined 2 per cent to ¥2,507.
Entertainment Group, a Macau casino operator, fell 5.3 per cent to HK$17.68 in Hong Kong.
BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, dropped 2.1 per cent to A$39.04 in Sydney. – (Bloomberg)
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