Asian Markets Update: Markets Mostly Lower Amid Regional Concerns

TOKYO -- Most Asian stock markets ended Thursday lower, as investors got spooked from an array of regional woes.

In Tokyo, Prime Minister Mori faced increased pressure to step down. Many in opposition, and even some of Mori's own ruling party, are concerned over the slow recovery and reform of the economy. The Nikkei 225 closed down 212.1 points, or 1.4%, at 14,587.0 and the Topix index, which includes all shares listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, rose 21.8, or 1.6%, to 1380.3.

Techs and telcos didn't care much for the political uncertainty, as NEC (NIPNY Quote) fell 65 yen, or 3%, to 2,105 ($19.32), Sony (SNE Quote) closed down 180 yen, or 2.1%, at 8,340 and NTT DoCoMo (NTDMY Quote) dropped 60,000 yen, or 2%, to 2.95 million. ...