Weaker China CPI & Property Sector Headwinds Weigh On China Related Bourses

Regional equity markets are mixed in Thursday trade to date. Hong Kong and China markets are struggling for positive direction amid renewed property headwinds. There are more positive trends elsewhere, but they aren't evident across the board. US futures sit slightly lwoer at this stage. Eminis last near 4396, down 0.08%, Nasdaq futures are slightly worse, down 0.10%.

• China October inflation data showed a slip back into negative territory for headline CPI in y/y terms, although this was largely due to lower food prices. Still, easing core inflation and a PPI dragged down by weaker consumer related is not painting a very strong domestic demand picture.
• The data should, at the margins, raise monetary easing hopes. At the break the CSI 300 is +0.09% higher while the Hang Seng is down 0.31%. The properties sub index is off nearly 1%. Fresh concerns for troubled developer Country Garden have weighed (Ping An denied it would take over the company late yesterday).
• Japan markets have recovered some ground, the Topix up 0.70%, the Nikkei 225 around 1% at this stage. Gains are fairly broad based, with the transport sector leading the way.
• South Korea's Kospi is +0.40% higher, but the Kosdaq is down 1%. The Taiex index is slightly weaker in Taiwan.
• In SEA, Philippines stocks were aided at the margin by a better than expected Q3 GDP result, but are away from session highs, last +0.50%. Thailand stocks are off by over 1%. Local company JKN Global fell sharply after it filed a petition in bankruptcy court.