Asia-Pacific markets largely fell on Monday, with Japan’s markets hovering near 33-year highs.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dumped 335.66 points, or 1%, to 33,370.42, stepping back from that recent peak.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng dropped 127.48 points, or 0.6%, to 19.912.89.
Australian markets bucked the trend and actually gained Monday, led by utilities and consumer services stocks.
CHINA
In China, the CSI 300 index handed over 32.44 points, or 0.8%, to 3,930.91.
This is ahead of the central bank’s loan prime rate decision on Tuesday, after it cut some of its key lending rates last week.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Beijing on a diplomatic mission to repair strained ties between the U.S. and China.
In other markets
In Korea, the Kospi Index slumped 16.29 points, or 0.6%, to 2,609.50.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index retreated 14.35 points, or 0.1%, to 17,274.56.
In Singapore, the Straits Times index subtracted 18.86 points, or 0.6%, to 3,241.17.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 slipped 49.29 points, or 0.4%, to 11,750.75.
In Australia, ASX 200 grabbed 43.65 points, or 0.6%, to 7,294.89.
