Australian stocks rose more than 1% while Hong Kong and South Korean markets were lower on Monday ahead of Australia and Malaysia central bank decisions this week.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 218.19 points, or 0.8%, to 26,153.81
The Japanese yen traded at 135.44 per U.S. dollar, strengthening from levels as weak as 137 per dollar last week.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index ditched 29.44 points, or 0.1%, to 21,830.35.
Exchange-traded funds will be included in the stock connect scheme that links Hong Kong and mainland China from Monday.
Australian stocks were higher with banking and retail stocks in the green.
The Australian dollar was at $0.6854 after recovering from below $0.679 recently.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 gained 29.31 points, or 0.7%, to 4,496.03.
In company news, Chinese property developer Shimao missed the interest and principal payment of a $1-billion offshore bond. Other real estate companies have also missed interest payments or defaulted on their debt.
Looking ahead, results from a private survey on China’s services activity is due later this week, along with South Korean inflation data and several central bank decisions.
In other markets
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index took on 24.65 points, or 0.8%, to 3,120.24.
In Taiwan, the Taiex tumbled 126.02 points, or 0.9%, to 14,217.06.
In Korea, the Kospi dipped 5.08 points, or 0.2%, to 2,300.34.
In Australia, the ASX 200 jumped 72.66 points, or 1.1%, to 6,612.57.
In New Zealand, the NZX moved upward 109.18 points, or 1%, to 10,862.34.
