Asia: Stocks mixed on Japan industrial data, geopolitical tensions
Asian stocks were mixed on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions waned and markets weighed a report on Japanese industrial production.
Russian President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday morning sent 280 trucks to deliver humanitarian aid to southeast Ukraine. Humanitarian aid included food, medicine and drinking water. However, the Red Cross said it was still waiting for more information on the contents of the convoy before agreeing to a mission.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has voiced his support for the removal of Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister of Iraq and urged his replacement, deputy speaker of the parliament Haider al-Ibadi, to move forward with formation of a new cabinet.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators started talks on Monday to solve the conflict in Gaza amid a three-day ceasefire between the countries.
In Japan, industrial production rose by 3.1% year-on-year in June after rising 3.2% a month earlier. Following Asia's close late Tuesday will see the release of Japan's gross domestic product which is forecast to fall an annualised 7.1% in the second quarter after rising 6.7% previously.
The Nikkei 225 index closed up 0.20% while the Hang Seng increased 0.18% and the Shanghai composite fell 0.14%.
Gunho, United Laboriatories
Gungho gained in Japan after Picotto Kingdom rose to third on Apple's app store in Japan for free downloads as of 10 August from 269th a day earlier, according to data from Distimo.
United Laboratories rallied in Hong Kong as the company said first-half profit will rise to at least HK$650m from HK$43m, boosted by higher prices for its bulk medicines and lower manufacturing costs.
Tata Motors advanced as India's biggest automaker reported a jump in quarterly profit that beat analysts' estimates.
RD