Asia-Pacific markets were mostly higher on Tuesday as investors digested key economic data across the region.
The Nikkei 225 in Japan reaffixed 21.6 points, or 0.1%, to 27,445.56, as Japan saw its worst decline in factory output in eight months, recording a 4.6% drop in January compared to December.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dropped 157.57 points, or 0.8%, to 19,785.94, as Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee announced to drop its mask mandate starting March 1.
South Korean markets edged higher as battery material maker L&F stocks jumped after winning a contract with Tesla.
Australian markets gained ground as retail sales in the country for January came in higher than expected at 1.9% compared to December, higher than expectations of a 1.5% rise.
In other markets
Markets in Taiwan were shuttered for holiday.
The Shanghai CSI 300 regained 25.62 points, or 0.6%, to 4,069.46.
In Korea, the Kospi recovered 10.21 points, or 0.4%, to 2,412.85.
In Singapore, the Straits Times slid 0.61 points to 3,262.63.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 restocked 101.24 points, or 0.9%, to 11,894.57.
In Australia, the ASX 200 moved up 33.59 points, or 0.5%, to 7,258.40.
