Nikkei: 10,004.20 (+154.46) Hang Seng: 23,261.61 (–53.63) Shanghai Comp: 2,873.38 (+7.36)ASIAN STOCKS declined yesterday, as lower than forecast growth in US service industries and jobs sparked concern the recovery in the world's biggest economy is faltering.
“The US economic data looks to have lost significant momentum in the most recent month, and this is weighing on markets,” said Stephen Halmarick, of Colonial First State Global Asset Management.
Billabong International, the world’s largest surf-wear maker, fell 1.6 per cent to A$6.61.
Foxconn International, the world’s top contract manufacturer of mobile phones, dipped 1.1 per cent to HK$4.34 in Hong Kong.
Bharti declined 3.2 per cent to 357.90 rupees. The company said fourth-quarter net income fell 31 per cent from a year ago to 14 billion rupees ($314 million).
San Miguel, the Philippines’ biggest food and beverage maker, tumbled 28 per cent to 109.50 pesos, the worst performance since 1990.
Woodside Petroleum, Australia’s second-biggest oil and gas producer, climbed 1.9 per cent to A$45.55 in Sydney.
TPK jumped 6.9 per cent in Taipei. – (Bloomberg)
