Asian indices operated in mixed fashion on...>

STOCKS: Asian indices operated in mixed fashion on Thursday, as the negative

lead from Wall St. was felt by most  major dealing centres.

- The Nikkei 225 bucked the trend and added 0.6%, with a softer JPY helping to

stir demand for stocks. The softer JPY, when compared to Wednesday's session,

boosted exporters, while utilities names lost out.

- The Hang Seng traded ever so slightly lower with earnings season providing a

fair degree of chop to trade, while the mainland CSI 300 was 0.3% better off

following reports of VAT reform, which outweighed the lack of PBoC injections

evident this week.

- Australia's ASX underperformed, losing 0.4% as IT & materials led the way

lower, while the big banks outperformed.

- US index futures were marginally lower, as the e-mini S&P contract lost 1

point, with the mini Dow 30 points lower.