Asian market volatility makes indices end mixed (MarketWatch) (17-06-2008)

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Asian markets were mixed on Tuesday after a volatile session, as some of them fought to hang on to early gains while investors searched for directional cues. 

Japan's Nikkei 225 Average ended flat at 14,348.37 and the broader Topix index also ended little changed at 1,401.98, after moving about Monday's closing level a few times in each direction.  

Here, exporters such as Nikon Corp. and Casio Computer Co. fell, their losses offset by financials such as Mizuho Financial Group and shipping firms like Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, which advanced.  

China's Shanghai Composite fell again, finishing 2.8% lower at 2,794.75. It is now nearly 47% lower in 2008, weighed down by concern about corporate earnings and rising inflation.  

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index slipped 0.2% to 22,994.38 by late afternoon, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index gave up 0.1% to 12,544.75. The day was marked by poor trading volumes, with turnover low at HK$46.75 billion ($6 billion) minutes before the close.

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  Source MarketWatch