Asian shares lower
Asian stock markets lost ground on Wednesday despite strong performances from automakers in Japan after a report that quake-hit production could return to normal earlier than expected.
Regional markets were following a lead from Wall Street, where tech plays were hit and uninspiring data on home sales left traders gloomy, while eurozone debt concerns are also adding to worries.
Tokyo ended 0.57 percent, or 54.29 percent, off at 9,422.88. Shanghai ended 0.91 percent, or 25.32 points, lower at 2,741.74.
Overall the Nikkei index was weighed by technology stocks, which were dragged by weakness in their US counterparts.
Shanghai remained concerned over the Chinese economy after data this week suggested manufacturing was slowing, which follows several moves by Beijing to keep a lid on growth and inflation.
The euro fell against the dollar in Asia, weighed by profit-taking following an overnight gain and amid lingering concerns over Greece's debt problem. Sentiment has also been hurt by an outlook downgrade for Italy and questions over Spain's future as it struggles to rein deal with mounting debt troubles.
The euro retreated to $1.4051 in Tokyo afternoon trade from 1.4100 in New York overnight. The unit also fell to 115.35 yen from 115.50.
The dollar edged up to 82.10 yen from 81.91.
On oil markets New York's main contract, light sweet crude for July delivery, was down 97 cents at $98.62 a barrel, while Brent North Sea crude for the same month dipped $1.00 to $111.53 in the afternoon.
Gold closed in Hong Kong at $1,523.00-$1,524.00 per ounce, up from Tuesday's close of $1,519.00-$1,520.00.
In other markets:
Singapore closed up 0.18 percent, or 5.56 points, at 3,118.65.
Bangkok edged down 0.82 percent, or 8.70 points, to 1,055.54. Mumbai closed down 0.91 percent, or 164.73 points, at 17,847.24.
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