Asian equities kicked off February on weak footing after
data released over the weekend showed Chinese factory growth slumped to a
six-month low in January. But trading volumes were light with several Asian
markets, including Shanghai and Hong Kong, on holiday for the Lunar New Year.
Japan's Nikkei slipped 1.64 percent or 244.97 points at
14,669.56.
Singapore's Straits Times declined 0.94 percent or 28.59
points at 2,998.63.
South Korea's Seoul Composite fell 1.13 percent or 21.87
points at 1,919.28.