Asian markets mostly down ahead of China data

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mostly down on Thursday with traders in Japan booking profits following the Nikkei's highest close since September 2008 as investors awaited fresh economic leads from China.

Tokyo fell 0.78 percent by the break and Seoul slipped 0.11 percent. Hong Kong was down 0.04 percent and Shanghai slipped 0.14 percent.

But Sydney bucked the trend, edging up 0.27 percent.

Traders opted out of big risks ahead of the latest numbers from China, the world's number two economy, due to be released on Friday before the country shuts up shop for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Investors were awaiting the release of key economic figures for January, including inflation and trade data, for more signs the domestic economy is improving, which could boost the market, analysts said.

However, the looming Chinese New Year holiday could put a damper on trading.