- Asia's stocks were neutral at the start of a week crowded with central bank policy decisions, as Chinese investors waited for signs of more assistance.
- In Japan, stocks rose after a report late Friday claimed that BoJ policymakers see no urgency in addressing the consequences of their ultra-loose monetary policy.
- Stocks fell in Hong Kong and China, lowering the mood. Despite a succession of promises to promote consumption and business, Chinese stocks ended the week with their worst week in four.
- Markets are bracing for signals of further stimulus as the Politburo meeting approaches. But, expectations among global fund managers are low as China attempts to support economy without taking drastic measures that could result in asset bubbles.
- Futures for US stocks were mainly flat in Asia on Monday after the S&P 500 finished little changed on Friday and the Nasdaq 100 saw sustained selling in technology companies after a dismal set of reports earlier in the week.
- The yen crept higher after falling more than 2% last week, with the biggest rise occurring after the BoJ report. Monday, most major currencies traded in narrow ranges against the US dollar.