Asia shares mixed after new Wall St record

HONG KONG: Asia´s markets were mixed on Wednesday, with another record-breaking close on Wall Street offset by profit-taking after the previous day´s healthy gains.

The euro was under pressure after a survey showed German sentiment at an 18-month low, which raised concerns about Europe´s biggest economy.

Tokyo eased 0.17 percent and Sydney dipped 0.21 percent but Hong Kong gained 0.57 percent and Seoul added 0.80 percent, while Shanghai was flat.

Traders took their foot off the pedal after Tuesday´s rally, which was inspired by a big pick-up on Wall Street thanks to advances in tech shares.

And in New York the Dow and S&P 500 extended Monday´s gains despite weaker-than-expected retail sales data.

The Dow added 0.12 percent and the S&P 500 edged up 0.04 percent, both at new records, but the Nasdaq dipped 0.33 percent after surging 1.77 percent Monday.

Retail and food services sales rose a mere 0.1 percent in April, softer than the 0.3 percent gain expected by analysts. However, the March increase was upwardly revised to 1.5 percent from the prior estimate of 1.2 percent.

In foreign exchange trade the euro hovered just above the $1.370 level after falling below it on Tuesday in New York for the first time since February.

Dealers were spooked by data showing investment sentiment in Germany in May at to the lowest level since January 2013 as concerns grow that the region´s top economy is losing momentum.

The euro bought $1.3703 early Wednesday against $1.3701 late in New York, while it was also at 140.07 yen compared with 140.12 yen.

The dollar was trading at 102.22 yen compared with 102.26 yen in New York.

Oil prices rose. US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate for June delivery, was up 23 cents at $101.93 in early Asian trading while Brent North Sea crude for June gained 23 cents to $109.47 per barrel.

Gold fetched $1,293.73 an ounce at 0200 GMT compared with $1,291.74 late Monday. (AFP)