Stock market today: Asian shares turn lower after strong earnings boost stocks on Wall St

Shares have turned mostly lower in Asia after U.S. stocks rose following better-than-expected profit reports. Chinese markets fell back after officials in Beijing announced the government was expanding financing for housing projects. Japan reported that its exports fell last month. On Wednesday, the S&P 500 climbed 0.5% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.8% to set a record. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. Exxon Mobil and other energy producers stabilized a day after tumbling with the price of crude oil. Stocks of smaller companies led the way, indicating that investors foresee solid growth for the U.S. economy. The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped 1.6%.