HONG KONG: Asian shares were mixed Tuesday after gloomy news on Spain's public finances highlighting Europe's ongoing woes was tempered by positive numbers from the United States.
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index closed the morning session 0.57 percent, or 54.65 points, down at 9,579.28 after seeing the best opening in seven months on Monday.
Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index opened 0.51 percent, or 107.83 points, higher at 21,325.69.
In Japan a stronger yen took its toll and chip-related shares came under pressure after DRAM chip-maker Elpida Memory filed for bankruptcy protection.
Daiwa Securities head of investment strategy and research department Kazuhiro Takahashi said he expected Tokyo shares will likely "trend stronger later in the session," Dow Jones Newswires reported.
"US economic indicators are providing a support for overall market sentiment," he said.
The dollar was down to 80.29 yen Tuesday in Tokyo from 80.61 yen in New York Monday. (AFP)
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index closed the morning session 0.57 percent, or 54.65 points, down at 9,579.28 after seeing the best opening in seven months on Monday.
Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index opened 0.51 percent, or 107.83 points, higher at 21,325.69.
In Japan a stronger yen took its toll and chip-related shares came under pressure after DRAM chip-maker Elpida Memory filed for bankruptcy protection.
Daiwa Securities head of investment strategy and research department Kazuhiro Takahashi said he expected Tokyo shares will likely "trend stronger later in the session," Dow Jones Newswires reported.
"US economic indicators are providing a support for overall market sentiment," he said.
The dollar was down to 80.29 yen Tuesday in Tokyo from 80.61 yen in New York Monday. (AFP)