Investing.com - Asian markets were mixed on Monday as the markets took in stride a US government shutdown at the weekend that could end as early as Monday as the Senate moved to schedule a vote at noon to fund the government for three weeks and for time to pass complex legislation on immigration.
In Japan. the Nikkei 225 fell 0.14%. Automakers were mixed: Toyota declined 0.53% while Mitsubishi Motors tacked on 1.62%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.04%. Shares of Commonwealth Bank fell 1.44%.
In Greater China, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.22% and the Hang Seng index fell 0.06%.
The US government shutdown on Saturday extends into the new week with all but essential services curbed and many of the regularly schedule data releases possibly delayed if the failure to provide stopgap funding continues.
The Bank of Japan starts a two-day monetary policy meeting with the decision on Tuesday expected to be closely watched for any signs the aggressive easing stance could be dialed back this year. A tweak by the Bank of Japan to its bond buying program earlier this month sparked speculation about a pullback in its monetary stimulus scheme later this year.
Investors will be focused on the outcome of monetary policy meetings by the ECB and fourth quarter growth from both the U.S., if it is released during the shutdown, and the UK. Canadian inflation data will also be in focus after last week's rate hike by the country’s central bank.
The World Economic Forum in Davos and talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement will also be closely watched for developments.
Last week, the S&P 500 rose 0.4% to close at 2,810.30, a record high, with consumer staples as the best-performing sector. The Nasdaq composite climbed 0.6% to finish at 7,336.38, also a record.