Asian stocks flat in early trade

Asian stocks fluctuated as shipping lines declined after a measure of cargo-transport-rates fell, while Australia`s largest telephone company rose on speculation it will avoid a forced break-up.

Japanese benchmark index Nikkei 225 fell 13.99 points, or 0.13%, to trade at 10,553.66. Hong Kong`s is trading rose 85.97 points, or 0.41%, at. 21,293.52. China`s Shanghai Composite increased 3.37 points, or 0.11% to trade at 3,072.51.

Taiwan`s Taiex index advanced 4.27 points, or 0.05%, to trade at 7,774.86. South Korea`s Kospi index fell 3.32 points, or 0.20% to trade at 1,657.51. Singapore`s Straits Times index increased 15.82 points, or to 0.56% trade at 2,855.36. (07.35 a.m., IST)