Asian markets trade mostly higher in early deals on Monday

Most of the Asian markets are trading higher in the early deals on Monday tracking positive cues from Wall Street where the major averages edged up on Friday on some upbeat economic data. Moreover, the Japanese stock market opened on a firm note, lifted by a positive lead from Wall Street and a weaker yen. However, gains are just modest in the region following a somewhat disappointing reading on Chinese manufacturing activity in August. Investors are also reacting to some soft economic data from the region. Among other markets in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Indonesia and Taiwan are trading higher, while South Korea and Singapore are weak.

Hang Seng spurted by 43.09 points or 0.17% to 24,785.15, Jakarta Composite rose by 27.85 points or 0.54% to 5,164.72, Nikkei 225 surged by 35.84 points or 0.23% to 15,460.43, Taiwan Weighted gained by 65.97 points or 0.70% to 9,502.24 and  Shanghai Composite was up by 12.35 points or 0.56% to 2,229.55.

On the flip side, KOSPI Index dropped by 1.19 points or 0.06% to 2,067.3,  FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI declined by 9.57 points or 0.51% to 1,866.11 and Straits Times was down 13.58 points or 0.41% to 3,313.51.