Stock market today: Asian shares turn lower after China economic data weaker than expected

Asian shares have turned lower after the latest data showed China's economy is weaker than expected. Tokyo advanced but other major regional benchmarks declined. China’s economic recovery is facing pressure from sluggish consumer and export demand after retail sales and other activity in April were weaker than expected. Wall Street ticked higher Monday ahead of reports that will show how much a slowing economy is hurting what’s prevented a recession so far: solid spending by U.S. households. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% and the Dow edged higher. The Nasdaq rose 0.7%. Fears over a possible recession and the threat of a default by the U.S. government have been hanging over markets.