Japan's indexes soared on Monday, tracking gains on Wall Street in Friday's trading as weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data eased pressure on the U.S. Fed to raise rates immediately.
Japan's jobless rate edged higher in August as more workers chose to seek better working conditions. Tokyo's core inflation accelerated for the fourth consecutive month and surpassed the BoJ's target rate.
Japan's industrial output growth weakened in August as natural disasters disrupted production. Retail sales rose less than expected in August, driven by a 17.7% jump in automobile sales.
China's indexes lacked direction amid rising uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the start of the Golden Week holidays later in the week.
Japan's indexes struggled to extend the six-day rally as investors reviewed elevated tensions in the Middle East. Semiconductor-linked stocks led gainers in Monday's trading, and bond yields stayed at three-decade highs.
Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped more than 1%, and the yen resumed its downward slide as investors returned from the Respect for the Aged Day and Autumnal Equinox Day holidays.
China's indexes traded down, and crude oil prices weakened for the seventh consecutive session, as President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington, D.C., for a three-day trade summit.
Stocks in India remained under pressure amid an advance in crude oil prices, persistent weakness in the rupee, and steady outflow of foreign portfolio investments.
