Asian markets settled mostly higher on Monday as investors were awaiting speeches by Federal Reserve officials, US inflation data and the release of minutes of the Federal Reserve's March monetary policy meeting due later in the week for further cues. Market sentiments improved further as Middle East tensions eased after Israel withdrew more soldiers from parts of Gaza and committed to fresh talks over a potential ceasefire with Hamas. Japanese shares gained due to Wall Street gains backed by upbeat jobs data from the United States, while a weaker yen also lent support. Hong Kong shares gained marginally after Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the authorities were considering additional measures to bolster the securities market in the Asian financial hub, which has taken a hit from China's economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions. However, Chinese markets declined with caution ahead of key data on inflation and foreign trade due this week. Indonesian market is closed for Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid).
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,047.05 | -22.25 | -0.73 |
| Hang Seng | 16,732.85 | 8.93 | 0.05 |
| Jakarta Composite | -- | -- | -- |
| KLSE Composite | 1,559.98 | 4.73 | 0.30 |
| Nikkei 225 | 39,347.04 | 354.96 | 0.90 |
| Straits Times | 3,215.99 | -2.27 | -0.07 |
| KOSPI Composite | 2,717.65 | 3.44 | 0.13 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 20,417.70 | 80.10 | 0.39 |
