Shares in Asia closed mixed on Tuesday, following a directionless session yesterday as major markets around the world were closed for various holidays.
The Nikkei 225 dipped 4.72 points to 19,677.85
Toshiba shares close 0.6% lower at 260.8 yen a share. This followed news that Western Digital could join a consortium involving a Japanese state-backed fund and KKR & Co. Western Digital had initially sought to block the sale of Toshiba's chip unit.
On the economic blotter, Japanese household spending dipped 1.4% for the month of April, weaker than the 0.7% forecast. Meanwhile, April retail sales rose 3.2% on year, compared to a forecast of a 2.3% rise
The U.S. dollar-yen pairing, which traded around 111.21 before the release of data, traded at 111.18 U.S. following the news. The yen later strengthened further to trade at 110.89 in late afternoon.
In other markets
Markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong were closed for holiday
In Taiwan, the Taiex index returned from long weekend to shed 6.54 points, or 0.1%, to 10,101.95
In Korea, the Kospi index fell 9.29 points, or 0.4%, to 2,343.68
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index toppled 9.76 points, or 0.3%, to 3,204.79
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 subtracted 0.79 points to 7,411.95
In Australia, the ASX 200 recovered 10.81 points, or 0.2%, to 5,717.89
