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Asian shares flat ahead of Chinese growth numbers Asian shares flat ahead of Chinese growth numbers
(34 minutes later)
Asian stocks opened the week largely flat ahead of Chinese growth data expected to confirm the second-largest economy slowing down further.Asian stocks opened the week largely flat ahead of Chinese growth data expected to confirm the second-largest economy slowing down further.
Chinese growth is estimated to come in at about 6.8% - below the official 7% target.Chinese growth is estimated to come in at about 6.8% - below the official 7% target.
The region's largest market, Japan's Nikkei index, was down 0.2% at 18,253.2 points.
China's growth data is closely watched as a major economic driver for the region as well as the global economy.China's growth data is closely watched as a major economic driver for the region as well as the global economy.
South Korea's Kospi was flat in early trade at 2,029.7 points. The country's main index, the Shanghai Composite, was marginally up by 0.2% at 3,397.97 points.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng fell by 0.2% to 23,006.3 points.
The region's largest market, Japan's Nikkei index, was down 1.1% at 18,090.38 points.
South Korea's Kospi was flat in early trade at 2,032.5 points.
The country's stocks were also affected by the strengthening of the won currency affecting the results outlooks for export-oriented sectors such as cars and technology.The country's stocks were also affected by the strengthening of the won currency affecting the results outlooks for export-oriented sectors such as cars and technology.
Shares in Kia Motors rose almost 1% on news that sales in Europe were at a record high.Shares in Kia Motors rose almost 1% on news that sales in Europe were at a record high.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 index was flat at 5,265.2 points. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 index was down 0.2% at 5,256.60 points.
Mining stocks were pulled down by the anticipation of slowing economic growth in China, with BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Newcrest all falling in early trade.Mining stocks were pulled down by the anticipation of slowing economic growth in China, with BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Newcrest all falling in early trade.
China is the biggest export market for Australian commodities.China is the biggest export market for Australian commodities.
The biggest rise in Sydney was Treasury Wine Estates, whose shares surged 13.5% after last week's news that the company will buy most of the wine business of Britain's Diageo.The biggest rise in Sydney was Treasury Wine Estates, whose shares surged 13.5% after last week's news that the company will buy most of the wine business of Britain's Diageo.