Asian shares down on new signs US economy slowing

Most Asian markets retreated Thursday after fresh evidence of slower U.S. growth blunted appetite for riskier assets like stocks.

The latest sign of sluggishness in the world's No. 1 economy came from the Federal Reserve's regional survey, a report known as the "beige book." The Fed said economic growth in the U.S. has been steady during the summer in some cities, but was slowing in others like Atlanta and Chicago.

The survey followed a U.S. Commerce Department report that showed durable goods orders fell 1 percent in June. Economists expected a 1 percent gain.

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average finished the morning session down 52.85 points, …