Hong Kong (AFP) - Asian markets slipped on profit-taking Thursday following the previous day's hefty gains but losses were limited after a closely watched indicator showed a slight pick-up in Chinese manufacturing activity.The dollar edged up following a surprising rise in US inflation while the euro faced fresh selling pressure owing to speculation that the European Central Bank will widen its bond-buying programme to boost the eurozone economy.Tokyo fell 0.39 percent, Hong Kong slipped 0.29 percent, Shanghai eased 0.24 percent, Seoul shed 0.22 percent and Sydney was flat.Regional markets have enjoyed a mostly positive run since Monday as concerns eased over the global economy that fuelled a sell-off last week.Shares opened in negative territory as traders cashed in recent gains.