Asia-Pacific markets traded mostly higher Monday as investors assessed the resignation of Japan's prime minister and eyed key economic data in the region.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.95% after Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation Sunday, following weeks of mounting pressure over his national election defeat late last year. The Topix climbed 0.51%.
The Japanese yen weakened 0.64% to 148.33 against the greenback.
"Japan is now set for a period of extended uncertainty going into Q4 2025," wrote analysts from BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions. "Although the next LDP leader would ordinarily automatically become prime minister, it is theoretically possible for the opposition to band together under a rival candidate for the premiership."
South Korea's Kospi was 0.15% higher, while the small-cap Kosdaq jumped 0.47%.
Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 25,344, lower than its last close of 25,417.98.
Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 slid 0.38%.
Source: CNBC
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