Markets in Asia closed mostly lower on Monday following an attack in central London over the weekend and as oil prices gained sharply after four countries snapped diplomatic ties with Qatar.
The Nikkei 225 backed off Monday from Friday’s enormous gain, docking 6.46 points to 20,177.28
The Hang Seng Index lost 61.06 points, or 0.2%, to 25,862.99
Shares of Japanese automakers were mostly lower on the strength of the yen, with Toyota falling 2% to close at 5,968 yen a share. The company had announced over the weekend it had sold its shares in Tesla after the end of a partnership to develop electric cars.
The U.S. dollar gained slightly against the yen after falling last Friday, with dollar/yen trading at 110.60 yen.
Oil prices rose on the back of news that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt had severed diplomatic ties with Qatar. Saudi Arabia said it had cut ties with Qatar due to reasons related to terrorism
On the weekend incident in London, attackers first drove into pedestrians on London Bridge, then headed to Borough Market before being shot by police. At least seven were killed following the attack. In all, police said, 12 individuals have already been arrested.
CHINA
Markets in China were mixed despite the positive read from the Caixin Services Purchasing Managers Index for May.
The CSI 300 settled 17.76 points, or 0.5%, to 3,468.75
The Caixin services PMI came in at 52.8, compared to the 51.5 figure seen last month. This month's services PMI reflected that growth in the sector grew the quickest in four months.
In other markets
Markets in New Zealand were shuttered for holiday
In Taiwan, the Taiex index improved 68.69 points, or 0.7%, to 10,226.84
In Korea, the Kospi index dipped 3.1 points, or 0.1%, to 2,368.62
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index subtracted 1.7 points, or 0.1%, to 3,238.31
In Australia, the ASX 200 slid 33.25 points, or 0.6%, to 5,754.87
