Asian markets on holiday while U.S. economy waits for a help (AP) (23-09-2010)

BANGKOK – Markets in Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong and South Korea were closed for holidays.

Japan, whose Nikkei 225 stock average was closed for Autumnal Equinox Day, closed down 0.4 percent at 9,566.32 Wednesday as the yen strengthened, with exporters, such as Toyota Corp. and Canon Inc. losing ground in particular.

Australia's benchmark stock index edged up 0.1 percent to 4,628.8. Key indices in Thailand, New Zealand and the Philippines posted gains, while those in Singapore, India and Malaysia declined.

Dollar strengthened slightly against the yen, to 84.57 from 84.52 on Wednesday, while the euro gained to $1.3392 from $1.3390 in New York late Wednesday.

Benchmark crude for November delivery was up 12 cents to $74.83 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract lost 26 cents to settle at $74.71 on Wednesday.

Source: AP