In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell 269.11 points, or 0.7%, to 38,911.19.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index lost 207.75 points, or 1%, to 20,079.10, as of its final hour of trade following a number of policy announcements from its chief executive on Wednesday. The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index dropped 6.6%.
Japan’s exports fell 1.7% in September compared to the same period last year, surprising economists polled by Reuters who had expected a 0.5% growth. Exports, which contracted for the first time this year, were down sharply from a revised growth rate of 5.5% in August.
September’s import growth came in at 2.1% also missing expectations of economists who expected growth of 3.2%. The figure was down from August’s growth of 2.3%.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company reported earnings on Thursday after Taiwan markets closed. Taiex gained 0.19% to end the day at 23,053.84.
Australia’s unemployment rate for September came in at 4.1%, slightly down from a Reuters poll that expected it to remain unchanged from August at 4.2%.
Australia’s labour participation rate slightly increased to 67.2% in September, up 0.1 percentage point from August as well as forecasts.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 dropped 43.47 points, or 1.1%, to 3,788.22
The CSI 300 Real Estate Index dropped more than 5% following a much-anticipated briefing from the China housing ministry. The index had gained 5% in the previous session.
Longfor Group and China Vanke led losses, down 8.3% and 5.9%, respectively. China Resources Land was down 3.6%, China Overseas Land & Investment fell 5% and Yuexiu Property 4.5%.
At the briefing, officials pledged further financial support for property projects that come under its so-called ‘whitelist.’
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex recovered 42.86 points, or 0.2%, to 23,053.84
In Korea, the Kospi index slipped 23.09 points, or 0.9%, to 2,610.36.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index restocked 34.63 points, or 1%, to 3,625.25.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 moved higher 127.22 points, or 1%, to 12,768.54
In Australia, the ASX 200 regained 71.17 points, or 0.9%, to 8,355.92.