Markets in the region mostly closed higher on Monday, shrugging off the cautious mood seen earlier as investors focused on a mix of trade tensions and a landmark meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 regained 109.54 points, or 0.5%, to 22,804.04. Energy-related stocks climbed, and gains were also seen in the retail and technology sectors. Against the yen, the U.S. dollar edged up to 110.04.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index recouped 105.49 points, or 0.3%, to 31,063.70
Korean markets moved higher, outperforming other regional markets as manufacturing names advanced. Daewoo Engineering and Construction surged 6.4%, Posco gained 3.3% and Hyundai Cement popped 29.9%
Investors kept an eye on trade tensions between the U.S. and its traditional allies, including Canada and the European Union. U.S. President Donald Trump on the weekend withdrew his support for a G-7 declaration and criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for being "dishonest and weak."
Meanwhile, a planned summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that's taking place in Singapore on Tuesday is expected to take center stage. Both arrived in the country on Sunday and are set to make history as the first sitting leaders of their respective countries to meet face-to-face.
The U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan are due to meet in the days ahead. The Fed is expected to announce an interest rate hike and the ECB has said it will be discussing how it will wind down its asset-purchasing program.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 inched up 0.36 points, to 3,778.98
In Singapore, the Straits Times index gained 5.32 points, or 0.2%, to 3,441.69
In Korea, the Kospi index added 18.57 points, or 0.8%, to 2,470.15
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index fell 7.19 points, or 0.1%, to 11,149.23
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 gained 21.36 points, or 0.2%, to 8,959.81
Australian markets were shuttered for holiday
