Asian shares finished mostly higher Tuesday amid growing expectations among traders that the U.S. Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its March policy meeting next week.
The Nikkei 225 Index fell 34.99 points, or 0.2%, to 19,344.15
The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong gained 84.79 points, or 0.4%, to 23,681.07
Experts’ expectations for a Fed rate hike were at 86.4% on Tuesday.
Australian markets acquired traction, after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the cash rate unchanged at 1.5%.
The RBA statement by Governor Philip Lowe stated that "the improvement in the global economy has contributed to higher commodity prices, which are providing a significant boost to Australia's national income."
The Australian dollar strengthened to $0.7611 U.S. late afternoon Asian time from the $0.75 handle, following the policy decision.
Korean markets were positive, even as geopolitical and political tensions continue to simmer.
The special prosecutor office said that South Korea President Park geun-hye colluded with a friend to take bribes from Samsung Group, aimed at cementing Samsung Chief Jay Y. Lee's control of the country's largest conglomerate.
The Constitutional Court is expected to make a decision over Park's impeachment as early as this week, while Samsung's Lee will go on trial for bribery and embezzlement on Thursday.
North Korea fired four ballistic missiles on Monday morning, angering its neighbours.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 gained 7.48 points, or 0.2%, to 3,453.96
In Taiwan, the Taiex added 55.44 points, or 0.6%, to 9,738.07
The Kospi Index in Korea collected 12.69 points, or 0.6%, to 2,094.05
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index regained 8.93 points, or 0.3%, to 3,130.44
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 slid 11.11 points, or 0.2%, to 7,167.63
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 picked up 14.88 points, or 0.3%, to 5,761.39
