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Japanese shares lower on mixed economic data Japanese shares end flat on mixed economic data
(about 7 hours later)
Japanese shares headed lower after a series of mixed economic data did little to boost investors' confidence in the world's third largest economy. Japanese shares traded flat after a series of mixed economic data did little to boost investors' confidence in the world's third largest economy.
The country's jobless rate unexpectedly rose to 3.4% in August from the previous month, as job availability climbed to more than a 23-year high. The country's jobless rate unexpectedly rose to 3.4% in August from the previous month, as job availability climbed to a more than 23-year high.
Meanwhile, consumer spending rose more than expected to 2.9% from a year ago, compared to a decline of 0.2% in July.Meanwhile, consumer spending rose more than expected to 2.9% from a year ago, compared to a decline of 0.2% in July.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was down 0.9% to 17,571.85 in early trade. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index ended flat at 17,725.13 points.
Investors were cautious ahead of the monthly US jobs report due out later on Friday.Investors were cautious ahead of the monthly US jobs report due out later on Friday.
Strong hiring would likely raise expectations of the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade at its next meeting later in the month.Strong hiring would likely raise expectations of the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade at its next meeting later in the month.
Chinese markets are closed for the National Golden Week holidays until 8 October. Casino shares jump
Australian shares traded flat with the S&P/ASX 200 index at 5,111 - taking an uninspiring lead from Wall Street overnight. Mainland Chinese markets are closed for the National Golden Week holidays until 8 October.
South Korea's Kopsi index was up 0.3% to 1,984.89 - bucking the region's downtrend. Shares in Hong Kong led the region's gains with the Hang Seng index up 2.7% to 21,403.80 as casino shares rose.
Investors ignored inflation data that showed consumer prices unexpectedly fell 0.2% in September, from a 0.2% rise in August. Gambling revenue in the world's biggest gaming hub Macau fell 33% in September from a year ago, but that was in line with expectations.
Shares of casino operators Wynn Macau and Galaxy Entertainment were up 8.4% and 11.4% respectively, despite revenues hovering near five-year lows.
Australian shares closed down with the S&P/ASX 200 index lower by 1.1% to 5,056.80.
South Korea's Kopsi index ended lower by 0.5% to 1,969.68 points.
Investors' sentiment was dented by data that showed consumer prices unexpectedly fell 0.2% in September, from a 0.2% rise in August.