Asia-Pacific markets were set for a mixed start to the year, with official data from China over the weekend highlighting a deepening contraction in its manufacturing sector.
Official data showed China's manufacturing PMI contracted further in December 2023, in a sign that more policy support was likely needed to revive its economy.
Japan was assessing the damage from a powerful earthquake that struck its central region on New Year's Day. Markets in the region are closed until Jan. 4.
Nearly 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate, and at least one person was reported dead from the quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 7.6.
Japan's Nikkei 225 wrapped up 2023 with gains of over 28%, making it Asia's top-performing market.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped marginally in early trade, while futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 17,160, pointing to a stronger open compared with the HSI's close of 17,047.39.
Source : CNBC
