The Nikkei average fell 0.71 percent as semiconductor stocks such as Tokyo Electron Ltd. retreated following falls in their U.S. rivals, and bank shares came under pressure. The Nikkei average ended down 113.16 points at 15,781.78. HONG KONG - Hong Kong stocks ended flat as investors avoided interest rate-sensitive issues but piled on mainland plays, driving China H-shares to their highest close in more than eight years. The benchmark Hang Seng index closed up 0.05 percent to 15,635.72. SYDNEY - Australian shares edged up as profit upgrades boosted plasma products maker CSL Ltd. and upmarket retailer David Jones, while steel maker Smorgon slumped on a downbeat forecast. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index rose 7.6 points, or 0.16 percent, to close at 4,886.7. JOHANNESBURG - Muted inflation and a weaker rand spurred South African stocks higher, especially retailers and exporters like iron producer Kumba The All-share index closed at 19684.45 points, up 165.99 or 0.85 percent. The All Gold index closed at 2877.62 points, up 3.12 or 0.11 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 13869.69 points, up 137.87 or 1.00 percent.
