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Mixed start for Asian markets Positive Monday for Asian markets
(about 3 hours later)
Japanese markets have opened lower with the benchmark Nikkei 225 slipping nearly 0.5%, or 76.4 points, to open at 16,087. Japanese markets began the week in positive territory, with the benchmark Nikkei 225 index up by 0.2% to 16,197 at midday.
A stronger Japanese yen continues to weigh on stocks of exporting companies. Shares of electronics maker Sharp jumped more than 5% after a takeover deal with Taiwan's Foxconn was finalised at the weekend.
In South Korea, the main index the Kospi has also opened slightly lower, slipping 0.05% to 1,972.67. But a strong Japanese yen dented stocks of exporting companies, hitting carmakers hard.
Meanwhile, stocks in Australia started the week on a positive note with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 up 11 points, or 0.2%, to 5,010. Shares in Toyota, Nissan and Honda all traded lower.
The slight uptick comes after the index fell below the 5,000 level last week. In South Korea, the main index, the Kospi, edged slightly higher, by 0.1% to 1,974.
Central banks It was also a positive start for stocks in Australia.
The Reserve Bank of Australia, the country's central bank will hold its monthly meeting on interest rates on Tuesday. The majority of economists polled by Reuters are expecting the central bank to keep its key lending rate on hold at its current record low of 2%. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 gained 34.6 points to 5,034, despite a flat reading for retail sales in February.
Last week, the S&P/ASX 200 fell below the 5,000 level.
Spotlight on rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia, the country's central bank, will hold its monthly meeting on interest rates on Tuesday.
The majority of economists polled by Reuters are expecting the central bank to keep its key lending rate on hold at its current record low of 2%.
The central bank in India will also hold its monthly meeting on interest rates on Tuesday. Low inflation in India could be a factor in the Reserve Bank of India's future policy on rates.The central bank in India will also hold its monthly meeting on interest rates on Tuesday. Low inflation in India could be a factor in the Reserve Bank of India's future policy on rates.
Elsewhere in Asia Markets in China were shut on Monday for a national holiday - Tomb Sweeping Day. Trade will resume on Tuesday.
Markets in China are shut on Monday for a national holiday - Tomb Sweeping Day. Trade will resume on Tuesday.