Asia-Pac markets are mixed today, the........>

STOCKS: Asia-Pac markets are mixed today, the Nikkei 225 last down 58.12 points

at 20,089.36, while Topix is down around 4 points at 1665. The indices reversed

early gains after Yonhap reports that North Korean counter measures to further

US sanctions could include a hydrogen bomb test in the Pacific. The index was

also pressured by a stronger yen, USD/JPY dropped from around 112.55 to 11.89

last as safe havens caught a bid after the North Korea story.

- Shares in mainland China and Hong Kong are both in negative territory after

S&P downgraded China to A+ from AA-, and Hong Kong today to AA+ from AAA.

- Australian stocks are higher today, the ASX200 up 11.78 points at 5667.20.

This brings the index off a seven-month low hit yesterday, the gains are being

driven by news of a $2.5bln share buyback, while banks are also performing well

after CBE were upgrades at Morgans despite the recent Austrac scandal. Upside is

tempered by iron ore holding near lows after dropping over 6% yesterday.

- US futures are negative, extending declines from yesterday with N. Korea

jitters weighing. Reports after market suggest HP is planning 5k of job cuts.