China data, US rate talk weigh on Asia stocks

A further slowdown in Chinese inflation compounded worries about the world's number-two economy Tuesday, adding to selling pressure in Asian markets and extending a global retreat as talk of a December US interest rate hike increases. The below-forecast reading on China's consumer price index -- the weakest since May -- comes days after Beijing data showed a sharp fall in imports and exports, and is the latest in a string of reports pointing to a growth slowdown in the country.