Asian markets lower amid China, Afghanistan unease

Asian stock markets have declined amid turmoil in Afghanistan and unease about China's economic outlook after July activity was weaker than expected

BEIJING -- Asian stock markets declined Tuesday amid turmoil in Afghanistan and unease about China's economic outlook after weak July activity. Investors looked ahead to a speech by Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell for an update on the health of the biggest global economy. Traders also were waiting for U.S. sales and factory data. Shanghai, Hong Kong and South Korea declined while Tokyo gained. Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 hit a new high despite rising U.S. coronavirus infections.