Shares in Asia-Pacific were mixed on Monday as investors monitor the Russia-Ukraine crisis and related sanctions.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index gained 50.32 points, or 0.2%, to 26,526.82.
The Japanese yen traded at 115.52, strengthening slightly from 115.56.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index slipped 54.16 points, or 0.2%, to 22,713.02.
Global markets were volatile last week following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. U.S. stocks climbed before closing on Friday, but futures were falling in overnight trade on Sunday.
Russia continued its advance into Ukraine over the weekend, with reports of fighting on the streets and forces encircling Kyiv.
President Vladimir Putin on Sunday put his country’s deterrence forces, which reportedly include nuclear capabilities, on high alert in response to international backlash to Russia’s invasion.
The U.S. and its allies announced new sanctions and measures to hit Russia, such as removing selected Russian banks from the interbank messaging system, SWIFT.
The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7201, down from $0.7232.
In other markets
Taiwan markets were closed for holiday Monday.
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 index took on 8.23 points, or 0.2%, to 4,581.65.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index lost 52.33 points, or 1.6%, to 3,242.24.
In Korea the Kospi index jumped 52.11 points, or 0.9%, to 5,644.20.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 gained 54.39 points, or 0.5%, to 11,977.77.
In Australia, the ASX 200 picked up 51.31 points, or 0.7%, to 7,049.13.
