Southeast Asian stocks inch lower on trade worries

Southeast Asian stock markets struggled in a tight range on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump indicated that a resolution to the tariff war with China was not imminent.

Malaysian shares fell 0.4 per cent, hurt by losses in the resources and utility sectors.

Petronas Chemicals Group was 2.6 per cent lower, while electricity generator Tenaga Nasional was down 1.2 per cent.

Singapore shares slipped as disappointing June export data weighed on the market, reports Reuters.

Indonesian shares edged lower, dragged by financial and consumer stocks.

Automobile manufacturer Astra International fell 2.0 per cent, while lender Bank Central Asia shed 0.5 per cent.

Philippine shares rose marginally, helped by consumer and utility stocks.