Asian stocks fall in early trade

Asian stocks fell after more Americans than estimated filed unemployment-benefit claims, metal prices tumbled and the yen appreciated.

Japanese benchmark index Nikkei 225 fell 179.09 points, or 1.72%, to trade at 10,235.20. Hong Kong`s is trading dropped 329.85 points, or 1.62%, at 20,026.52. China`s Shanghai Composite decreased 18.54 points, or 0.62% to trade at 2,975.60.

Taiwan`s Taiex index declined 173.17 points, or 2.25%, to trade at 7,521.41. South Korea`s Kospi index fell 5.04 points, or 2.34% to trade at 1,604.14. Singapore`s Straits Times index decreased 33.12 points, or to 1.20% trade at 2,724.56. (7.30 a.m., IST)