Thailand's stock market edged down on Tuesday from a 16-1/2-year high while others closed mixed with Philippines hitting a record close for a seventh session as confusing signals on the global economy weighed on the region's risky assets. An unexpected contraction in the United States' November manufacturing activity, which hit a three-year low, along with stalled budget negotiations dented investor sentiment, though Greece's bond buy-back plan helped to boost appetite.

The Thai benchmark index fell 0.2 percent from its highest since April 1996, led by a 2.2 percent fall in the country's top oil and gas explorer, PTT Exploration and Production Pcl, after the company announced plans on Friday to raise $3 billion in a share offer.

Singapore ended a tad weaker, down 0.1 percent. Indonesia lost 0.8 percent to close at a two-month low, with $56 million in foreign outflows. Banks led the fall, with Bank Central Asia (BCA) dropping 7.9 percent. The Philippine benchmark index ended at 5,706.28, above Monday's record of 5,672.70, on strong trading volumes, with conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc gaining 2.5 percent. Vietnam rose 0.8 percent, while Malaysia ended steady.

Copyright Reuters, 2012