TOKYO: Tokyo slipped 0.17 percent by the break, while Shanghai edged up 0.18 percent, Shenzhen added 0.04 per cent and Seoul was up 0.24 percent in morning trade.
Japanese core consumer inflation continued to slow in November, data also showed, despite efforts by the government and central bank to make a clear break from deflation.In China, market sentiment was a little more upbeat after the government announced new corporate support policies, dealers said.Trade was muted in Asia as stock exchanges in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Indonesia were closed today for a public holiday.
There was also no overnight guidance from Europe or the US markets, which were closed for Christmas.In Japan, fresh data showed the nation’s industrial output suffered a surprise drop in November, turning down after two months of rises.
Oil prices rose in Asia as dealers reacted to a surprise Islamist attack on Libya’s main oil terminals that left 22 soldiers dead.US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for February delivery rose 28 cents to $56.12 in midmorning trade, while Brent for February gained 13 cents to $60.37.
