In Asia today, the Nikkei was last off 10.32 points at 17,278.98, while the Hang
Seng had gained 169.49 points at 22,739.9.
Crude oil for delivery in September fell as much as 14 cents to $76.69 a barrel
after ending 19 cents lower at $76.83 a barrel on the New York Mercantile
Exchange.