MUMBAI (NewsRise) -- Asian stocks ended the month lower, as the Federal Reserve's indications that it will raise rates at a faster-than-expected pace next year soured regional sentiment amid concerns of foreign fund outflows.
The Nikkei Asia300 Index rose 0.7% to 1,032.56 points, ending the week 1.6% higher. The index, which tracks 324 of Asia's most influential companies, has fallen 1.9% in the month since its launch. China Vanke was the biggest loser on the index in December, sliding 26%, followed by Gree Electric Appliances, which shed 20%. Malaysia's AirAsia and India's Sun Pharmaceutical Industries were also among major decliners this month. Singapore's Banyan Tree Holdings, South Korea's Samsung SDI and India's Adani Enterprises rose 30%, 19% and 14%, respectively.
