Hong Kong - Asia stocks declined as South Korean shares fell on investors’ concern over geopolitical risk. Chinese shares also dropped amid worries about stricter regulation in financial market.
The MSCI Asia Pacific Index dropped 0.1% as of 11:32.
South Korean equities retreated for a sixth straight day amid speculation the US could act against North Korea after Friday’s strike on Syria.
The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index closed 0.9% lower amid investor concern surrounding the probe of a top official in the insurance industry. India’s S&P BSE Sensex Index gained 0.7%, heading to the first gain in four days.
“Risk-off mood heightens for the market,” IG Asia Pte market strategist Jingyi Pan wrote in an emailed note. “Pressure from geopolitical tensions could weigh on investors’ minds and keep gains capped for local markets.”
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