Asia Markets Lower as US Confidence Drops

BANGKOK (AP) -- Asian stock markets were mostly lower Wednesday as a surprise drop in U.S. consumer confidence sowed new doubts about the pace of economic recovery.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 stock average was down 0.1 percent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 0.7 percent. South Korea's Kospi lost 0.9 percent.

China's Shanghai index rose 1.4 percent. China's financial markets close Thursday for the weeklong National Day holiday and reopen October 9.

Elsewhere, Australia's market fell 0.4 percent, Singapore was down 0.5 percent and Taiwan's index gained 1.1 percent.

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