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Positive Monday for Asian markets Mixed Monday for Asian markets
(about 1 hour later)
Japanese markets began the week in positive territory, with the benchmark Nikkei 225 index up by 0.2% to 16,197 at midday. Japanese markets had a rollercoaster start to the week, as a rally before midday fizzled out at the close of the trading day.
Shares of electronics maker Sharp jumped more than 5% after a takeover deal with Taiwan's Foxconn was finalised at the weekend. The benchmark Nikkei 225 ended the Monday session down 0.25% or 40.89 points at 16,123.
But a strong Japanese yen dented stocks of exporting companies, hitting carmakers hard. A strong Japanese yen dented stocks of exporting companies, hitting carmakers hard.
Shares in Toyota, Nissan and Honda all traded lower. Shares in Toyota, Nissan and Honda all closed lower.
In South Korea, the main index, the Kospi, edged slightly higher, by 0.1% to 1,974. But shares of electronics maker Sharp jumped more than 5% after a takeover deal with Taiwan's Foxconn was finalised at the weekend.
It was also a positive start for stocks in Australia. In South Korea, the main index, the Kospi, managed a slight gain of 0.27% or 5.4 points to close in the plus at 1,978.97.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 gained 34.6 points to 5,034, despite a flat reading for retail sales in February. It was also an up-and-down day for stocks in Australia.
Last week, the S&P/ASX 200 fell below the 5,000 level. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 ended the day in negative territory, down by 0.08%, closing the Monday session at 4,995.
Spotlight on ratesSpotlight on rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia, the country's central bank, will hold its monthly meeting on interest rates on Tuesday.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 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.
Markets in China were shut on Monday for a national holiday - Tomb Sweeping Day. Trade will resume on Tuesday.Markets in China were shut on Monday for a national holiday - Tomb Sweeping Day. Trade will resume on Tuesday.