Markets in Asia closed mixed on Tuesday as traders hearkened to central bankers' speeches for clues.
The Nikkei 225 gained 71.74 points, or 0.4%, to 20,225.09
The Hang Seng Index dropped off 31.9 points, or 0.1%, to 25,839.99
Media reports in Japan say Toshiba could sign an agreement for the sale of its memory chip unit to a government-led consortium as soon as Tuesday. Western Digital, which jointly runs Toshiba's main semiconductor plant, remains opposed to the sale. Toshiba shares declined 1.7% to close at 293 yen each.
Australian natural healthcare company Blackmores announced that the company's chief executive officer would be leaving. The company has asked Marcus Blackmore, its director, to take on the interim CEO position. Shares of the company closed down 4.4% at 89.81 Australian dollars each.
A host of small-cap Hong Kong shares across sectors sold off. Greater China Professional Services tumbled by 93.8% and China Jicheng plunged 93.9%.
The markets were keeping an eye on potential developments in central bank rhetoric, with the European Central Bank Forum currently taking place in Portugal and U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen due to speak in London on Tuesday.
Investors also digested the outcome of the first meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump Monday. The two leaders discussed issues relating to trade and defense.
Against the yen, the U.S. dollar strengthened to trade near a five-week high earlier in the session. The dollar/yen ceded some gains to last trade at 111.67.
In other markets
The CSI 300 added 6.63 points, or 0.2%, to 3,674.72
In Taiwan, the Taiex index faded 1.9 points to 10,512.06
In Korea, the Kospi index gained 3.29 points, or 0.1%, to 2,391.95
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index returned from a long weekend to gain 10.06, or 0.3%, to 3,219.53
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 hiked 30.85 points, or 0.4%, to 7,626.35
In Australia, the ASX 200 deleted 5.97 points, or 0.1%, to 5,714.19
