Asian Stocks Waver As Policy Uncertainty, Weaker Oil Sap Confidence

Asian stocks wavered Thursday as investors grappled with the seemingly diminishing ability of major central banks to stimulate growth, while a tumble in crude oil inflamed already heightened risk aversion.

Global bond yields have risen in sympathy with depressed sentiment, adding to nervousness over when the Federal Reserve might decide to raise rates.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan edged down 0.1 percent.

Japan's Nikkei lost 0.6 percent and Australian stocks shed 0.1 percent. South Korea's Kospi was little changed.