PRESS DIGEST-Financial Times, Wall St Journal Asia editions

SINGAPORE, Oct 3 (Reuters) - The Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal carried the following stories in their Asia print and/or Web site editions on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

FINANCIAL TIMES (www.ft.com)

-- Taro Aso has appeared to back away from plans for an early general election to break a political deadlock, instead indicating he is increasingly concerned about the slowing economy and the global financial crisis.

-- Mitsubishi UFJ Group (8306.T: Quote, Profile, Research) has bought a 9.9 percent stake in Aberdeen Asset Management (ADN.L: Quote, Profile, Research), the Scottish fund manager, as part of a strategic alliance with Japan's largest financial group.

-- The amount invested in the US commercial paper market fell by $95 billion during the past week, increasing concerns about the availability of money for banks and companies from this vital source of short-term funding

WALL STREET JOURNAL (www.wsj.com)

-- Focus returned to the House after the Senate handily passed a controversial financial rescue package. Republican and Democratic party leaders worked to secure enough votes for a Friday vote to succeed.

-- New signs are emerging that suggest the credit crisis is deepening as lenders grow more distrustful of their own customers and each other.