Asian stock indices were exhibiting a mixed trend due to growing geopolitical tensions between China and Vietnam. Vietnam's coastguard accused China of sinking one of its fishing vessels in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The corporate services price index in Japan climbed 3.4% in April, from 0.7% in March. Analysts had expected a 3.3% increase.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225                       14,636.52              +34.35        +0.23%

Hang Seng                        22,944.3               -18.88         -0.08%

Shanghai Composite          2,034.57                 -6.91         -0.34%