BEIJING – Asian stock markets were mostly lower Thursday, following Europe and Wall Street down amid growing fears the latest deal to resolve Greece’s debts is faltering.

Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index shed 0.2 percent to 9,238.63 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was off 0.8 percent at 21,194.4. Seoul’s Kospi fell 1.1 percent to 2,002.60.

Global markets rose briefly Wednesday on news China would keep investing in Europe and Greece would fulfill obligations imposed by its creditors. But those hopes waned after a European official warned Greece’s assurances might be inadequate, possibly jeopardizing the latest infusion of money from its European partners.

Asian investors were put off by the lack of a clear outcome over Greece.

“The uncertainty upset the market, especially last night in New York,” said Francis Lun, managing director of Lyncean Securities in Hong Kong. “I think people are resigned to the fact that Greece really is a lost cause. It doesn’t make sense to throw good money after bad.”

China’s Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.8 percent to 2,361.0. Taipei’s Taiex was down 0.3 percent at 7,977.08 and Sydney’s S&P ASX 200 shed 1.6 percent to 4,183.5. Singapore’s benchmark declined 0.7 percent to 2,989.47.

Asian traders have been disappointed by Beijing’s failure to take more aggressive steps to boost slowing growth by easing credit and investment curbs imposed earlier to fight inflation and surging housing costs, Lun said.

“Of course the play is now for the Chinese government to increase liquidity and relax controls on the property market. But that hasn’t happened,” Lun said.

China’s central bank governor on Wednesday expressed confidence in Europe, his country’s biggest trading partner, and said Beijing will keep buying European government debt.

Chinese leaders have repeatedly expressed sympathy and support for Europe but have made no financial commitments. European leaders are hoping Beijing will contribute to a bailout fund from its $3.2 trillion in foreign reserves.

Greece’s creditors want Athens to make up a euro325 million ($425 million) funding gap and present written guarantees the governing coalition’s party leaders will carry out the plan if they come to power. European governments worry that after elections expected in April, Greek politicians might renege on austerity measures due to public opposition.

Some analysts have called for an “orderly default,” letting Greece eliminate most or all of its debts, others have warned repercussions could be severe, damaging confidence in other European governments.

For weeks, many analysts have wondered if the bailout loans would be enough given the size of Greece’s debts. Now, there is speculation they may not come in time anyway. Greece has a chunk of loans coming due in March.

Britain’s FTSE shed 0.1 percent on Wednesday, while benchmarks in France and Germany both rose 0.4 percent.

Wall Street also fell on anxiety over Greece. The Dow Jones industrial average suffered its biggest one-day decline this year, falling 97.33 points to 12,780.95.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 7.27 points to 1,343.23, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 16 points to 2,915.83.

On currency markets, the dollar fell to 78.39 yen while the euro held steady at $1.303.

Benchmark crude was down 27 cents to $101.53 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.06 to settle at $101.80 per barrel in New York on Wednesday. Brent crude was steady at $118.93 per barrel in London.

BANGKOK – Asian stock markets climbed Monday after U.S. unemployment fell to its lowest in three years, suggesting a stronger recovery in the world’s No. 1 economy that could benefit the region’s exporters.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose 1.1 percent to 8,924.98. South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.2 percent to 1,976.93 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was 0.5 percent higher at 20,867.92.

Australia’s S&P ASX/200 added 1.1 percent to 4,296.80, while benchmarks in Singapore and the Philippines also rose. Mainland Chinese shares and Taiwan’s main index fell.

On Friday, the Dow Jones industrial average was propelled to its highest close since May 2008 after the U.S. Labor Department said the economy added 243,000 new jobs in January, the strongest job growth in nine months.

That helped to push the unemployment rate down to 8.3 percent and the number of unemployed down to 12.8 million.

Noting that a similar gain occurred in April 2010, only to be followed by a negative trend, analysts at DBS in Singapore said, “Stay optimistic but keep a few grains of salt close at hand.”

Falling unemployment in the U.S. is likely to be good news for Asia, as it suggests stronger consumer demand for the region’s exports of clothing, cars, consumer electronics and other goods.

The Dow rose 1.2 percent to close at 12,862.23, its highest mark since May 19, 2008, about four months before Lehman Brothers investment bank collapsed.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.3 percent to 1,344.90, its highest close since last July. The Nasdaq Composite added 1.6 percent, to 2,905.66, its highest since December 2000.

Benchmark oil for March delivery was down 30 cents to $97.52 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.48 to finish at $97.84 per barrel on the Nymex on Friday.

In currencies, the euro fell to $1.3093 from $1.3153 late Friday in New York. The dollar rose to 76.53 yen from 76.55 yen.

SINGAPORE – Asian stocks extended a global rally Thursday amid investor optimism that the U.S. economy may grow more than previously expected this year.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.8 percent to 8,881.27 while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 1.2 percent to 20,585.44 and Seoul’s Kospi added 1.4 percent to 1,985.82.

Signs of an improving U.S. economy have helped bolster trader sentiment. Factories raised output in January by the most in seven months, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index on Wednesday. And the Commerce Department said construction spending rose 1.5 percent in December, the fifth straight monthly gain.

Investors have also been cheered by growing optimism that contagion from a likely Greek debt default can be contained.

Global equities are advancing “on hopes of the global economy gaining a solid footing and the banking sector continued to rally on the belief that Europe will avoid a catastrophe,” IG Capital in Melbourne said in a report.

On Wednesday, the Dow Jones industrial average closed up 0.7 percent at 12,716.46. The S&P added 0.9 percent to 1,324.09 while the Nasdaq composite index rose 1.2 percent to close at 2,848.27.

European stock indexes also rose Wednesday. France’s CAC-40 gained 2.1 percent while Britain’s FTSE 100 rose 1.9 percent and Germany’s DAX jumped 2.4 percent.

China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.2 percent to 2,272.99 on Thursday amid signs manufacturing improved in January for a second straight month.

Shares in Singapore, Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand all gained ground.

“After stepping into a soft patch in the fourth quarter, Asian economic growth is gradually picking up,” said Frederic Neumann, co-head of Asian economics at HSBC in Hong Kong. “This rebound is led by the region’s giants: China, India, and Japan.”

Early Thursday, the Tokyo Stock Exchange suspended trading in 241 securities, including Sony Corp. and Hitachi Ltd., due to a glitch in its electronic trading system. Trading in the suspended securities was to resume midday.

Benchmark oil for March delivery rose 6 cents to $97.67 per barrel Thursday in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 87 cents to settle at $97.61 on Wednesday.

In currencies, the euro rose to $1.3193 from $1.3158 late Wednesday in New York. The dollar slipped to 76.12 yen from 76.15 yen.

SHANGHAI – Asian stocks mixed Wednesday, as a modest improvement in manufacturing data from China offered reassurance over its economic slowdown.

Benchmark oil hovered below $99 per barrel while the dollar rose against the euro and was steady against the yen.

A better-than-expected manufacturing index for January, issued by a government federation, fueled an early rally in most markets across the region. But much of the advance was lost after the later release of a competing, seasonally adjusted survey by HSBC that indicated conditions were still deteriorating.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 edged up less than 0.1 percent to close at 8,809.79. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 0.4 percent to 20,314.21 while Seoul’s Kospi added 0.2 percent to 1,959.24.

By afternoon, shares in mainland China had retreated back into negative territory, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index shedding 1.2 percent to 2,265.49.

An unexpected drop in U.S. consumer confidence dragged stocks down overnight on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones industrial average lost 20.81 points, or 0.2 percent, to 12,632.91. The S&P slipped 0.60 point to 1,312.41 while the Nasdaq composite index rose 1.90 points to close at 2,813.84.

Overall, though, U.S. shares had their best start in 15 years, thanks to a modest improvement in the economy. Sentiment was further buoyed by hopes of progress in Europe after leaders there agreed on the broad outlines of a deal to tie the countries that use the euro closer together and on hopes that Greece is close to a debt-reduction deal with private creditors.

Yet, the mixed signals from China compounded uncertainties still weighing on investor confidence. That is true especially for Australia, whose economy depends heavily on Chinese demand for its coal and other commodities.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.9 percent to 4,225.70 while India’s Sensex dropped 0.7 percent to 17,079.29.

Singapore shares also were lower, while Taiwan, Indonesia and New Zealand gained ground.

Benchmark oil for March delivery gained 15 cents to $98.63 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 30 cents to end at $98.48 per barrel in New York on Tuesday.

In currencies, the euro fell to $1.3038 from $1.3084 late Tuesday in New York. The dollar was nearly unchanged at 76.21 yen.

SHANGHAI – Asian stocks were mostly higher Wednesday despite a lackluster day on Wall Street, as improved manufacturing data from China offered reassurance over its economic slowdown.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.3 percent to 8,826.79, helped by news of rebounding industrial production and household spending. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.2 percent to 20,424.24 and Seoul’s Kospi added 0.3 percent, to 1,961.77.

An unexpected drop in U.S. consumer confidence dragged stocks down on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones industrial average finished down 20.81 points, or 0.2 percent, at 12,632.91. The S&P slipped 0.60 point to 1,312.41 while the Nasdaq composite index rose 1.90 points to close at 2,813.84.

But overall the U.S. markets had their best start for stocks in 15 years, thanks to a modest improvement in the economy. Sentiment was further buoyed by hopes of progress in Europe after leaders there agreed on the broad outlines of a deal to tie the countries that use the euro closer together and on hopes that Greece is close to a debt-reduction deal with private creditors.

China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.1 percent to 2,294.67 following the release of a key manufacturing index that showed conditions improving in January for a second straight month, though only by a modest margin.

Peng Yunliang, an analyst based in Shanghai, said strong demand for food and beverages kept manufacturing demand better than expected.

“I expect the market will keep on rising in the short term,” he said.

Shares in Singapore and Australia weakened, while Taiwan, Indonesia and New Zealand gained ground.

European markets rebounded Tuesday amid hopes for progress on handling Greece’s debt. Under a tentative agreement, investors holding 206 billion euros ($272 billion) in Greek bonds would exchange them for bonds with half the face value. The replacement bonds would have a longer maturity and pay a lower interest rate. When the bonds mature, Greece would have to pay its bondholders only 103 billion euros.

France’s CAC-40 gained 1 percent while Britain’s FTSE 100 and Germany’s DAX both gained 0.2 percent.

Benchmark oil for March delivery gained 31 cents to $98.79 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 30 cents to end at $98.48 per barrel in New York on Tuesday.

In currencies, the euro fell to $1.3064 from $1.3084 late Tuesday in New York. The dollar fell to 76.15 yen from 76.20 yen.

BEIJING – Asian stocks were mostly higher Tuesday as traders watched for a possible deal to cut Greece’s debts and Japanese factory output rebounded.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.3 percent to 8,817.9 after data showed December industrial activity rose 4 percent over the previous month. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.7 percent to 20,303.9 and Seoul’s Kospi was up 0.8 percent at 1,955.2.

Traders watched Europe, a major export market, following reports Greece and its creditors were close to a deal to cut its debts. Also Monday, European leaders agreed on a new treaty meant to stop overspending and put an end to the region’s crippling debt woes.

“Everyone is watching the European summit and how the Greek debt crisis comes out,” said Jackson Wong at Tanrich Securities in Hong Kong. “The general atmosphere is to play a wait-and-see game.”

China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite Index was flat at 2,281.4 ahead of Wednesday’s release of a key manufacturing index. Investors are hoping for a loosening of credit curbs or other measures to boost growth if it shows activity is slowing amid lackluster global demand for Chinese goods.

Benchmarks in Taiwan and Indonesia rose while Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand fell.

European markets tumbled Monday on concerns Greece’s financial problems might not be solved even if creditors agree to cancel part of its debt.

Under a tentative agreement, investors holding 206 billion euros ($272 billion) in Greek bonds would exchange them for bonds with half the face value. The replacement bonds would have a longer maturity and pay a lower interest rate. When the bonds mature, Greece would have to pay its bondholders only 103 billion euros.

France’s CAC-40 shed 1.6 percent while Britain’s FTSE 100 and Germany’s DAX both lost 1 percent.

Wall Street fell in early trading but Asian investors were encouraged after the Dow Jones industrial average recovered most of its losses to close down just 0.1 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.8 percent.

Borrowing costs for European countries with the heaviest debt burdens shot higher. The two-year interest rate for Portugal’s government debt jumped to 21 percent after trading around 14 percent last week.

Portugal may become the next country “where default is a real possibility,” said Martin Hennecke of Tyche Group in Hong Kong.

“The euro zone crisis is far from being fixed at all. Italy and Spain are effectively bankrupt as well,” Hennecke said. “For Asia, that means there is huge uncertainty in terms of export markets.”

The treaty agreed to Monday by all European Union governments except Britain and the Czech Republic includes strict debt brakes and is aimed at making it harder for violators to escape sanctions. The 17 countries in the eurozone hope the tighter rules will restore confidence in their joint currency.

The agreement comes as richer countries such as Germany are losing patience with giving Athens loans, saying the Greek government is not carrying out reforms and spending cuts fast enough. A German official proposed having an EU monitor oversee Greek spending but that idea was quickly rejected at Monday’s meeting in Brussels.

Benchmark oil for March delivery gained 37 cents to $99.39 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

In currencies, the euro rose to $1.319 from $1.3114 late Monday in New York. The dollar held steady at 76.25 yen.