Asia-Pacific markets retraced some losses on Thursday to trade mixed as traders grappled with optimism around a potential coronavirus vaccine and economic worries.
The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo lost 93.8 points, or 0.4%, to 25,634.34.
The Japanese yen traded near flat at 103.86 against the greenback.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index subtracted 187.32 points, or 0.7%, to 26,456.97.
In Australia, stocks erased earlier losses to finish up. The so-called Big Four banks closed higher, with Westpac up by 2.31%. Major miners were mixed, with BHP down by 0.87%.
Jobs in the country surged, beating expectations in October after the state of Victoria eased coronavirus restrictions. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed employment increased by 178,800 people from September while the unemployment rate rose fractionally from 6.9% to 7% — Victoria’s employment rose by 81,600 people.
The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7292, dropping from earlier levels around $0.73.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 regained 36.32 points, or 0.7%, to 4,927.99.
In Korea, the Kospi index nicked higher 1.78 points, or 0.1%, to 2,547.42.
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index docked 50.86 points, or 0.4%, to 13,722.43.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index moved lower 11.59 points, or 0.4%, to 2,777.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 dropped 48.83 points, or 0.4%, to 12,557.13
In Australia, the ASX 200 added 16.13 points, or 0.3%, to 6,547.23.