71.   In general, Asian stock markets were lower, although the main indexes gained in Jakarta, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia.

72.   In Hong Kong, the main index also followed Wall Street higher.

73.   In Jakarta, a fall in mining shares pushed the main index lower.

74.   In Manila, the main index closed up on one of its biggest single-day gains, boosted by a long-awaited technical rebound.

75.   In Seoul, the main index closed higher for the fourth consecutive day in active trading.

76.   In Taiwan, share prices mostly fell, but the main index rose slightly as the government injected funds to support share prices ahead of elections Saturday.

77.   In Hong Kong, shares closed lower as losses in several large property companies eroded early gains in the main index.

78.   In Tokyo, a late rally in telecommunications shares pushed the main index to its highest close in more than eight months.

79.   In Tokyo, share prices fell as investors took profits after the main index had climbed for three consecutive trading sessions.

80.   Japanese shares closed mixed Thursday with the main stock index posting a moderate gain after a sharp drop the previous day.