Japan's overall consumer price inflation held steady for the third month in a row, but core inflation accelerated in July. The yen drifted lower ahead of comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuho Ueda.
China stocks struggled to advance and closed mixed after a week of choppy trading as investors reacted to domestic corporate earnings. Alibaba Group announced its plan to change its Hong Kong listing to a dual-primary listing, allowing the company to access mainland investors.
Japan's private service sector activities expanded for the seventh month in a row, but manufacturing sector activities contracted for the fourth month in a row.
In cautious trading, stock market indexes in Hong Kong and Shanghai edged higher after positive earnings from Xiaomi and AIA. Residential property developers remained under pressure after Kaisa Group estimated a wider loss in the first half.
Stocks in Japan trimmed the previous session's gains amid weakness in tech stocks. Japan's trade deficit soared in July following a faster increase in imports.
China stocks faced additional headwinds amid a rising tide of foreign investors dumping stocks. Walmart is looking to sell its holding in e-commerce platform JD.com at a discount.
Stocks in Tokyo rebounded, and tech stocks led the gainers. The yen remained in focus amid worries of rate path uncertainties ahead of the release of an inflation update later in the week.
The People's Bank of China held steady its 1-year and 5-year loan prime rates after lowering rates last month. Benchmark stock indexes turned lower amid earnings worries and a lack of near-term catalysts to stabilize the residential property market.
Market indexes in Japan fell more than 1% after indexes last week soared the most in five years. Machinery orders rebounded in June from the previous months.
Stocks advanced in Hong Kong and Shanghai ahead of the earnings from leading corporations this week. Also, the easing of fears about the U.S. economic slowdown also contributed to positive market sentiment.
Tech stocks rallied in Hong Kong after Alibaba Group and JD.com announced their quarterly results. The People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng's comments also bolstered market sentiment.
Market indexes in Hong Kong and Shanghai rebounded after a batch of mixed-key economic updates. Retail sales growth accelerated, industrial output increased nearly steadily in July, but home prices fell at the fastest pace in nine years.
Stocks in Japan extended gains for the second day in a row amid stabilizing market sentiment and firmness in the yen. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he plans to step down amid growing party infighting and a low voter approval rating.
