Japanese stocks ended flat in choppy trade on Monday as investors turned cautious after the market's recent rapid gains and awaited major U.S. economic data.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index dipped 6.80 points to 15,655.07. Last month, the Nikkei gained 9.3% on the back of strong corporate earnings and a weaker yen.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 157.26 points, or 0.4% to 24,038.55, its highest close since April 21, 2011.
Hong Kong shares outperformed mainland Chinese markets in choppy trade on Monday, as non-banking financials surged after China's securities regulator signaled that A-share initial public offering approvals could resume as soon as next month.
Citic Securities surged 10% after the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced long-awaited measures intended to streamline the initial public listing process in the mainland, which has not seen a new listing approved since October 2012.
In other markets;
Shanghai’s CSI 300 index fell 20.15 points, or 0.8%, to 2,418.79
Korea’s Kospi Index surrendered 14.09 points, or 0.7%, to 2,030.78
Taiwan’s Taiex Index gained 7.78 points, or 0.1%, to 8,414.61
The Singapore Straits Times Index grew 12.41 points, or 0.4%, to 3,188.76
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 dropped 2.62 points, or 0.1%, to 4,792.33
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 let go of 40.53 points, or 0.8%, to 5,279.52
