Asian markets exhibit mixed trade in early deals on Monday

Asian equity indices are exhibiting mixed trade in early deals on Monday after comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen during the weekend signaled growth prospects and a more nuanced view on the timing of a possible hike in interest rates. Further, Japanese stock market opened higher with a stronger greenback prompting investors to indulge in some brisk buying in early trades. Among other markets in the Asia Pacific region Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia and Shanghai are trading notably lower. Hong Kong and Singapore are up with modest gains, while South Korea is up marginally.

Nikkei 225 surged by 63.80 points or 0.41% to 15,602.99, KOSPI Index rose by 2.95 points or 0.14% to 2,059.65, Hang Seng added 118.13 points or 0.47% to 25,112.23 and Straits Times was up 12.94 points or 0.39% to 3,338.44.

On the flip side, Shanghai Composite tumbled by 10.95 points or 0.49% to 2,229.86, FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI declined by 7.76 points or 0.41% to 1,863.23, Taiwan Weighted dipped by 6.13 points or 0.07% to 9,373.97. and Jakarta Composite was down by 10.89 points or 0.21% to 5,188.00.