Asian markets end mostly lower on Tuesday

Asian equity markets ended mostly lower in a cautious trade on Tuesday, with recent yen strength, the continued downturn in oil prices and lackluster US data weighing on markets. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet approved a 28 trillion yen ($274 billion) stimulus package late in the day in a bid to lift growth and inflation. The package includes 7.5 trillion yen in new, direct spending by the national and local governments. Japanese shares fell as the yen held on to its recent gains and banks succumbed to selling pressure after recording big gains in the previous two sessions. Trading in Hong Kong was suspended for the day after a typhoon warning. However, Chinese shares ended higher as real estate shares jumped on encouraging price reports, while small-caps bounced on signs of foreign interest.