Asian Shares Weaker, Tokyo Down 1.8%

        0202 GMT [Dow Jones] Three Southeast Asian central banks meeting Thursday are expected to keep rates on hold, but Philippines may raise reserve requirements by a full percentage point for second straight month, Goldman Sachs says in a research note. In Malaysia, Goldman expects rate hikes later this year but says the bank can take its time as inflationary pressures remain under control for now. Several analysts have noted increasing emphasis on financial stability in recent comments from Philippine and Malaysian central banks, indicating that authorities have broadened the range of factors they weigh when setting policy. For Bank Indonesia, price pressures won't moderate enough for Jakarta to ease policy this year and if anything, it may have to tighten further, Goldman says. (michael.arnold@wsj.com)
        (END) Dow Jones Newswires

        May 06, 2014 22:02 ET (02:02 GMT)