Asian shares mostly lower as markets watch Ukraine tensions

By YURI KAGEYAMA
AP Business Writer

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares are mostly lower, echoing a decline on Wall Street, amid concerns about rising tensions in Ukraine over thousands of Russian troops that have been amassing on their border. Benchmarks fell in Tokyo, Sydney and Hong Kong, but rose in Shanghai. Japan reported its economy grew at an annual rate of 5.4% in the October-December quarter, reflecting how restrictions related to the coronavirus were briefly relaxed after infections fell sharply before rebounding with omicron outbreaks. Stocks fell on Wall Street as the U.S. moved to close its embassy in Ukraine. Nations are still searching for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.