Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Monday after a week that saw a broad rally in stocks, as investors awaited a slew of central bank releases and inflation data this week.
The Nikkei 225 index gave back 674.05 points, or 1.8%, to 37,388.62, after achieving four-year highs last week.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index gained, however, 139.41 points, or 0.8%, to 17,659.57.
Core machinery orders in Japan fell 1.7% year on year in June, surprising economists who had expected a 1.8% rise. Machinery orders are viewed as a proxy for capital expenditure in the country.
Separately, Reuters reported that both Japan’s national and Tokyo governments are seeking a 700 billion yen ($4.7 billion U.S.) valuation for subway operator Tokyo Metro.
Citing sources, Reuters said the country plans to list the subway operator as early as end-October.
Half of the company’s shares are planned to be sold in its initial public offering, which means the 350 billion yen IPO would be Japan’s biggest IPO since 2018.
The Bank of Korea will release its rate decision on Thursday, while inflation data from Japan and Singapore will be released on Friday. China will announce its one- and five-year loan prime rates on Tuesday.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 picked up 11.34 points, or 0.3%, to 3,356.97.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index moved higher 60.3 points, or 0.3%, to 22,409.63.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index hiked 37.16 points, or 1.1%, to 3,352.89.
In Korea, the Kospi index slid 22.87 points, or 0.9%, to 2,674.36.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 lost 65.64 points, or 0.5%, to 12,662.11.
In Australia, the ASX 200 inched ahead 9.4 points, or 0.1%, to 7,980.45.
