Stock markets in China saw gains in the morning, local time. By lunchtime, Shenzhen had risen by 1.0 percent, while Shanghai climbed by 0.4 percent. Hong Kong-based Hang Seng was up 0.8 percent.
In Tokyo, the situation was different. By mid-day, the Nikkei 225 had fallen 1.8 percent. The Topix was down 1.0 percent.
Stock market sentiment is also not buoyant in South Korea. The Kospi has hovered around zero and was down 0.3 percent after lunch.
