Asian shares mixed, Europe debt woes weigh

Asian markets were mixed Wednesday following a two-day rally as weak consumer confidence data from the United States and Europe outweighed renewed hopes for a fresh round of US monetary easing.Tokyo fell 0.40 percent by the break, Sydney dipped 0.15 percent and Shanghai shed 0.22 percent while Hong Kong added 0.20 percent and Seoul was 0.22 percent higher.Wall Street eked out a third day of gains after minutes from the Federal Reserve policy-setting board's last meeting suggested new stimulus measures were likely as they showed members discussing the best way forward.

Asian stocks were mixed in quiet trade on Monday as dealers locked in profits from recent gains while two of the region's major markets were closed.Tokyo's Nikkei ended 0.11 percent, or 10.25 points, lower at 9,671.96 and Shanghai fell 1.51 percent, or 45.57 points, to 2,964.95.Seoul rose 0.83 percent, or 18.18 points, to finish at 2,216.00 and Singapore was 0.10 percent higher.Hong Kong, Sydney and New Zealand were shut for public holidays, while European and US markets were closed on Friday for the Easter break.

TOKYO (Reuters) - A

Asian stocks recovered Wednesday on bargain hunting after huge losses in the previous session, but gains were limited by lingering fears about European debt and tensions on the Korean peninsula.Traders took their cue from Wall Street, where the Dow recovered from heavy losses to end down just 0.23 percent, although a weak euro continued to hurt exporters despite European austerity measures.Seoul closed 1.36 percent, or 21.29 points, higher at 1,582.12 after plunging Tuesday following unconfirmed reports that the North had put its civilians and army on combat alert.

On Saturday, Spain's prime minister Mariano Rajoy Asked For a Eurozone Fiscal Authority, in effect the "Fiscal Nannyzone" that I have spoke of on numerous occasions.

Jarred Cummans submits:The euro-zone has endured a rough economic year, as an ongoing debt crisis puts downward pressure on the 16 countries who have adopted the euro as their common currency. Back in May, it was announced that Greece would receive a bailout, and the world thought that this would put an end to the issue, but it has since resurfaced in a number of nations. Just weeks ago, it was announced that Ireland would be receiving a bailout from the IMF and EU, as they were unable to overcome their immense financial woes.

Fears over a bank lending halt in China overshadowed a strong lead overnight from Wall Street as Asian shares saw mixed trade Wednesday, while worries over the European economy hit the euro.In Shanghai, shares fell 0.21 percent on liquidity concerns following a report that Chinese regulators have told major commercial banks to put a stop on new lending for the rest of January, dealers said.Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index, where mainland lenders are also listed, dived 1.33 percent.