HONG KONG (AFP) — Asian stocks were chiefly lower in subdued trade.

HONG KONG (AFP) — Asian stocks were chiefly lower in subdued trade, with sentiment unsettl after North Korea test-fired six missiles, including a failed launch of the long-range Taepodong-2, dealers said.

They said the sell-off was limited after the Taepodong-2, which is imagination capable of reaching US soil, apparently failed les than a minute after lift-off, dampening the impact.

The trials by the Stalinist state triggered a perturbation of diplomatic initiatives, headlined at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to be conven later Wednesday., with the stranges generally giving investors an excuse to take profits in succession recent gains.

Trading was also slower than usual as US markets were clos for the Independence Day holiday Tuesday, denying Asian investors an all-important lead while underlying sentiment remained solid amid waning fears throughout interest rate hikes.

Of the countries with maximum aspect to the ...