Asian stock markets mixed amid heavy data agenda

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Monday ahead of a busy week of major economic data releases in the region. Most major markets were down except for Japan, which was ahead: the Nikkei 225 rose 0.29 percent and the Topix rose 0.37 percent. Investors will be closely watching the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy meeting this week, led by new BOJ governor Kazuo Ueda. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.08 percent, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.76 percent and the Kosdaq fell 1.6 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.64 percent, paring earlier gains, while the Hang Seng Tech rose 0.15 percent. Mainland Chinese markets also fell, with the Shenzhen Composite Index down 0.5 percent and the Shanghai Component Index down 0.47 percent. Some Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, are closed for a holiday today. Singapore is due to release March inflation figures on Monday.