Philippine shares fell on losses by select blue chips as fears over corporate earnings mounted. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index shed 6.36 points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,886.73.
South Korean shares ended nearly flat as investors took profits in heavyweight blue chips, offsetting early gains by technology issues. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or KOSPI, edged up 0.10 point to 952.19.
China shares retreated as news of China's decision to raise export tariffs on 74 categories of textile products prompted a sell-off in textile stocks. The Shanghai Composite Index gave up 4.21 points, or 0.4 percent, to 1,099.27.
Shares in Singapore closed higher, boosted by Wall Street gains on better-than-expected jobless claims numbers and falling oil prices. The Straits Times Index added 6.5 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,173.77.
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