DEBORAH MARCHINI, CNN ANCHOR: Well, despite Wall Street's gains, Tokyo stocks went their own way overnight.</s>DAVID HAFFENREFFER, CNN ANCHOR: Michelle Han wraps up the day in the Asian markets from our studios in Hong Kong. Good morning, Michelle.</s>MICHELLE HAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Deborah and David. Well, investors in Japan ignored the gains on Wall Street and took profits in leading technology stocks like Sony and Fujitsu. Others stuck to the sidelines ahead of today's CPI numbers and amid concerns over the upcoming parliamentary elections. They shrugged aside an upbeat economic assessment by the Bank of Japan, whose monthly report pointed to improved spending by both businesses and consumers. The BoJ also avoided any hints that it plans to end its zero-rate policy anytime soon. The Nikkei close down 1.6 percent; Hong Kong closed one percent higher, led by banks; and signs of progress in talks with North Korea boosted Seoul shares. China is taking fresh steps to shore up its financial system. The "Wall Street Journal" reports China's huge investment firm CITIC plans to form a new financial holding company that would list on several exchanges. CITIC's restructuring could be a major test case for future reforms in the sector. Finally, economic growth in South Asia -- or in East Asia should rise a full percentage point to 4.9 percent this year, according to a Singapore-based think tank. The Pacific Economic Corporation Council says the biggest threat to growth in the region would be a downturn on Wall Street. So, Dave and Deb, try to keep things up on your end, OK?</s>MARCHINI: I promise you, we have nothing to do with it, right?</s>HAFFENREFFER: We'll do our best. Thank you, Michelle.
Techs Weigh on Nikkei; Hong Kong, Seoul Shares Rally