Most Asian markets post gains, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index ending 0.04% higher, gaining 8.77 points to 19,809.70. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, or Hong Kong-listed shares of mainland companies, rose 0.3% to 9,643.00.
Japan's Nikkei average ended on a downbeat note after exporters such as Sony Corp. lost ground when a key survey of business sentiment showed companies had become less confident about the outlook for the first time in a year. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 average ended 1.5% lower, declining 259.24 points to 17,028.41.
Elsewhere:
BANGKOK: Thai shares shifted up 0.9 percent to 679.62 points in moderate trade, as funds bought blue chips before a government meeting on an economic stimulus package Tuesday.
JAKARTA: Indonesia shares advanced 18.46 points, or 1.0 percent to 1,851.56 on positive sentiment.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysan shares dipped, slipping 0.57 points, or 0.1 percent, to 1,246.30 as profit-taking from last week's window-dressing activities eliminated early gains.
MANILA: Philippine shares advanced on forecasts showing banks improving their earnings reports based on prevailing low interest rates. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 26.05 points, or 0.8 percent, closing at 3,229.60.
SEOUL: South Korean shares moved up, boosted by the free trade deal announced by Seoul and Washington, with carmakers and textile companies leading the gains on hopes the pact will open the door to more exports to the U.S. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, edged up 6.98 points, or 0.5 percent, to 1,459.53.
SHANGHAI/SHENZHEN: China's key share index set a record close, as securities funds awash with cash and optimistic about corporate earnings bought blue chips. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index jumped 2.2 percent to close at a record 3,252.59 points. The Shenzhen Composite Index rose 2.3 percent to 844.66, also a record close.
SINGAPORE: Singapore shares moved modestly higher, underpinned by property stocks that were supported by data showing an acceleration in private home prices. The Straits Times Index added 15.07 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 3,246.31.
TAIPEI: Taiwan shares finished flat, with gains in China-related issues mostly offset by losses in the financial sector. The Weighted Price Index of the Taiwan Stock Exchange rose 0.55 points to close at 7,884.99 in moderate trading.
WELLINGTON: New Zealand shares climbed in thin volume in a cautious start to the new financial year, which kicks off with two holiday-shortened weeks. The NZX-50 gained 30.8 points, or 0.75 percent, to close at 4,137.95.
SYDNEY: Australian shares were dragged down by weaker foreign markets, with many investors now expecting a midweek rate hike by the central bank. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index fell 79.2 points, or 1.3 percent, to 5,915.80.
With files from wire services
