Asian markets mixed

Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed on Monday as investors awaited key economic data from the U.S. and China later this week, while French election results indicated a hung parliament. France’s left-wing New Popular Front coalition unexpectedly thwarted a far-right advance, securing the largest number of seats but missing an absolute majority.

Investors are keenly watching the U.S. consumer price index due Thursday to gauge the Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory, while China’s inflation data on Wednesday will provide insights into the country’s economic recovery. Central bank decisions from South Korea, New Zealand, and Malaysia are also anticipated this week, though no changes are expected according to a Reuters poll.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell slightly, with the Topix down 0.36%, as real wages declined for the 26th consecutive month. South Korea’s Kospi traded near the flatline, while the Kosdaq rose 0.86%. Samsung Electronics shares increased 0.46% despite a planned three-day strike by its largest union. The Hang Seng index dropped 0.46%, and the CSI300 slid 0.3%, extending its losses to a fifth day.