Asian shares dropped, as South Korea’s political turmoil deepened and data showed a slow demand recovery in China. Oil rose after the Syrian government collapsed.
A regional equities gauge declined 0.3%, after Korea’s benchmark fell as much as 2.3%. Hong Kong and mainland Chinese stocks also slid as consumer inflation eased in the world’s No. 2 economy.
Japanese benchmarks edged higher after growth data was revised up. The dollar gained slightly while Treasuries were steady. The euro was under pressure partly as a risk-off trade following the fall of the Syrian regime.
The cautious tone comes as investors brace for a week dominated by central bank decisions across four continents, a crucial Chinese policy meeting, and key US inflation data.
Korea remains a focus in the region, with some lawmakers pushing for President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign following the brief imposition of martial law last week.
“It will be a lively week ahead with event risk all over the shop,” Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Group Ltd. in Melbourne wrote in a note to clients.
