Markets in Asia were mixed on Monday, as Japanese shares rose slightly in late afternoon trade, after an initially muted reaction to data that showed the country's exports fell less than expected in September, despite a relatively stronger yen.
The Nikkei 225 Index regained 49.83 points, or 0.3%, to 17,234.42,
The Japanese yen strengthened from levels near 103.90 against the U.S. dollar before the release to a session high of 103.78. As of late afternoon Monday, the U.S. dollar/yen traded at 103.89.
The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong resumed trading after a typhoon shut down activity on Friday, gaining 229.68 points, or 1%, to 23,604.08
Government data showed September exports fell 6.9% on-year, shallower than a forecast for a 10.4% drop. Export volume was up 4.7% in the year to September, while imports fell 16.3% on-year, in line with market expectations.
Other data were more positive, with Japan's preliminary Markit/Nikkei October manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) rising to 51.7 from 50.4 in September, the fastest expansion in nine months. Readings over 50 indicate expansion, while levels below indicate contraction.
Australian markets were down with most sectors finishing lower. The heavily-weighted financial sector finished flat.
Shares of Australia's so-called Big Four banks were mixed, with ANZ up 0.3%, retracing its 0.3% early loss; Commonwealth Bank of Australia was 0.3% lower, while Westpac erased slight losses to close up 0.5%. National Australia Bank was down 0.4%.
Elsewhere, the Australian dollar climbed to $0.7623 U.S., from a session low of $0.7588, while the euro was at $1.0877 U.S.. The Chinese yuan weakened against the dollar to levels not seen since 2010, trading at 6.7732.
Shares of Samsung Electronics closed up 1.2%, ahead of its third quarter earnings due Thursday, following the Galaxy Note 7 debacle that forced the South Korean tech giant to revise profit guidance to incorporate hits to its profit numbers.
Nintendo, which unveiled its new upcoming gaming console, Nintendo Switch, last week, dropped 4.8% after tumbling over 6% on Friday as investors were left unimpressed with the new offering. The company was also set to announce its earnings this week.
Troubled South Korean shipping company Hanjin Shipping will close all 10 of its European business operations, according to a Wall Street Journal report. In late August, the shipping line was forced to file for court receivership after banks stopped providing financial support.
Hanjin shares tumbled 11.8%.
Oil prices were under pressure. That sent many energy plays in the region lower; Santos shares closed down 2.9%, Oil Search dropped 2% and Woodside Petroleum was off by 1.1%. Japan's Inpex fell 1.5% while Japan Petroleum was lower by 2.3%
Hong Kong-listed shares of CNOOC were up 0.9%, Petrochina was higher by 3.1% and Sinopec advanced 2.8%
In other markets
The CSI 300 gained 39.84 points, or 1.2%, to 3,367.58
In Korea, the Kospi picked up 14.74 points, or 0.7%, to 2,047.74
The Straits Times Index in Singapore recouped 25.62 points, or 0.9%, to 2,856.68
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index recovered 15.93 points, or 0.2%, to 9,322.50
New Zealand markets were shuttered for holiday
In Australia, the ASX 200 skidded 21.83 points, or 0.4%, to 5,408.48
