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· Asian markets were mostly quiet Thursday, but Hong Kong stocks climbed after the financial hub gave its real estate sector reason to cheer.

China's Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) traded flat, while Japan's Nikkei 225 (N225) inched up 0.1% and South Korea's Kospi (KOSPI) edged lower.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HSI) advanced as much as 1.1% in the morning trading. It later dipped slightly but was still up 0.8%, boosted by local real estate developers after the city's leader Carrie Lam unveiled a series of measures to loosen mortgage rules and encourage home buying.

New World Development (NDVLY), a major property owner and developer in Hong Kong, surged 4.3%. It was the top gainer on the benchmark index. Rivals Sun Hung Kai Properties (SUHJF) and CK Asset Holdings (CHKGF) climbed 2.5% and 1.8% respectively.

· Japan's stock benchmark Nikkei pulled back on profit-taking on Thursday, a day after rallying to more than 10-month highs, as investors waited for signs of progress on U.S.-China trade talks and Brexit negotiations.

The Nikkei average edged 0.1% lower to 22,451.86, holding within a tight range near its highest since early December hit on Wednesday, while the broader Topix retreated 0.45% to 1,624.16.

Some investors locked in profits after the recent rally and ahead of Japan's mid-year earnings season, analysts said.

· China's major stock indexes ended roughly flat on Thursday in thin trading, as caution prevailed as investors awaited more details on a proposed Sino-U.S. trade deal.

The blue-chip CSI300 index rose 0.1%, to 3,925.22, while the Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.1% to 2,977.33.

· European shares ticked lower in early dealings on Thursday, as investors were tense ahead of a two-day European Union summit that will focus on last-gasp efforts to seal a deal on Britain’s exit from the bloc.

At 0706 GMT, the pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.2% with all major bourses in the red.