HONG KONG: Asian markets were mixed on Thursday as positive Chinese manufacturing data was tempered by comments on the US economy by Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke.
The euro extended gains against the major currencies after a record take-up of cheap loans from the European Central Bank by cash-strapped lenders, while Japanese exporters benefited from the yen's continued weakening.
Tokyo was 0.14 percent lower by the break, Hong Kong shed 0.58 percent, Sydney lost 0.69 percent, Seoul jumped 1.33 percent and Shanghai added 0.10 percent.
Data out of Beijing showed manufacturing activity expanded for the third straight month in February as exports picked up, easing concerns the world's number two economy was slowing down too quickly.
The official purchasing managers index rose to 51 in February from 50.5 in January, with most sectors showing signs of improvement, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said in a statement.
A reading above 50 indicates industry is expanding. (AFP)
The euro extended gains against the major currencies after a record take-up of cheap loans from the European Central Bank by cash-strapped lenders, while Japanese exporters benefited from the yen's continued weakening.
Tokyo was 0.14 percent lower by the break, Hong Kong shed 0.58 percent, Sydney lost 0.69 percent, Seoul jumped 1.33 percent and Shanghai added 0.10 percent.
Data out of Beijing showed manufacturing activity expanded for the third straight month in February as exports picked up, easing concerns the world's number two economy was slowing down too quickly.
The official purchasing managers index rose to 51 in February from 50.5 in January, with most sectors showing signs of improvement, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said in a statement.
A reading above 50 indicates industry is expanding. (AFP)