Le Asian bags have stopped the run, falling from the highest levels recorded since June 2008 reached in recent days. The Japanese market weighed on the region, down due to the strengthening of the yen against the main currencies and new data indicating a slowdown in global business activity.
The index MSCI Asia-Pacific fell 0,3% at 11:37 in Tokyo, while the Japanese Topix slid 0,5% after posting its best monthly performance since 1999. Weighing on stocks, it was said, was the strengthening of the yen, which rose 0,1% to 97.36 against the dollar.
They were also worrying some macroeconomic data. Australia's manufacturing index dropped to a four-year low, as the Australian dollar strengthened against major international currencies, while China's Purchasing Managers' Index expanded less than expected. The US private sector did not see a significant increase in employment after manufacturing activity fell unexpectedly in April. Markets in China, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines were closed for holidays.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-01/asian-stocks-fall-as-yen-gains-amid-growth-concerns-oil-drops.html
