Air China Limited

Overnight US stocks broadly declined after new figures from the Federal Reserve showed that consumer credit dropped unexpectedly in February. The sharp plunge in consumer credit was an indication that households are still in a cautious frame of mind despite U.S. economic recovery. Asian markets opened lower this morning following the drops in Wall Street. But Wednesday most Asian stocks gained, helped by stronger oil prices and upbeat corporate earnings. Hong Kong's Hang Seng surged 1.8 per cent, while China's Shanghai Composite fell 0.3 per cent as real estate shares were hurt by fears of further measures to cool the property market. Japan's Nikkei 225 posted a 0.1 per cent rise and South Korea's Kospi Composite finished nearly unchanged.

Banking shares continued to push the US market higher overnight, despite resources and industrial sectors were hurt by worries that China may tighten its policy to cool the overheating economy after the country's latest inflation data. Consumer price index for February in China rose a faster-than-expected 2.7% in February from a year earlier. Thursday Asian markets closed mixed. Several major markets dropped after Chinese economic data. Japan's Nikkei index was up 1 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index inched up 0.1%. Taiwan's Taiex lost 0.4 per cent and South Korea's Kospi shed 0.3 per cent. China's Shanghai Composited gave up most of its early gains and closed with a 0.1 per cent gain.

Most Asian markets ended lower yesterday on fears of a possible downgrade of Greek debt. Japan's Nikkei lost 1.0 per cent while a rising yen weighed on exporters. Taiwan market fell 1.4 per cent and South Korean's Kospi declined 1.6 per cent. But China's Shanghai Composite rose 1.3 per cent, as investors were expecting an annual parliament session in March may reaffirm China's relatively loose monetary policy.

Most asian markets were higher on hope of a rescue package for Greece yesterday. Japan's Nikkei index ended up 0.3%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index added 0.7%. Both China's Shanghai Composite and Taiwan's Taiex climbed 1.1%. Japanese market is closed on Thursday for National Foundation Day, while Taiwan market is closed for Pre-Chinese New Year.