Most Asian markets fell Wednesday, dragged down by declines on Wall Street and concerns about high oil prices, AP reported. Japanese stocks retreated as investors grew cautious over the pace of recent gains. The Nikkei 225 index dropped 42.55 points, or 0.4 percent, to 12,273.12. Last week, it rose more than 4 percent. Caution over the fast-paced rally in recent weeks prompted investors to lock in profits in technology and insurance companies, sending prices lower. Tech heavyweights like KDDI Corp. and Advantest Corp., as well as insurance companies such as Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. declined. Still, traders said interest in Japanese stocks remained strong among foreign investors, on signs o by late bargain-hunting in select blue chips. The Stock Exchange of Thailand Index edged up 0.31 point, or 0.1 percent, to 667.49. --mor 1349 Local Time 1049 GMT
