Hong Kong stocks led losses in Asia on Thursday, plumbing the lowest level this year.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 recovered 118.45 points, or 0.4%, to 30,801.13.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng shed 369.01 points, or 1.9%, to 18,746.92.
Korean markets experienced their first drop after closing flat on Wednesday and after a seven-day winning streak.
Australian markets dipped and recorded their fourth straight day of losses. Stocks also hit their lowest level in about two months.
In other markets
In China, the CSI 300 index fell 8.59 points, or 0.2%, to 3,850.50.
In Singapore, the Straits Times index handed back 6.49 points, or 0.2%, to 3,207.72.
In Korea, the Kospi shed 12.76 points, or 0.5%, to 2,554.69.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index sprang forward 132.68 points, or 0.8%, to 16,292.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 slipped 11.98 points, or 0.1%, to 11,959.86.
In Australia, the ASX 200 lost 75.64 points, or 1.1%, to 7,135.16.
