Asian stocks ended mixed on Monday with the market in Japan trading higher and setting a new record, while oil prices edged lower on fresh optimism over progress in US-Iran negotiations.

In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index ended down 156 points, or 0.7 percent, at 23,768 on turnover of HK$348.62 billion.

The tech index was 54 points, or 1.2 percent, down at 4,549 while the China enterprises index was 61 points, or 0.8 percent, lower at 7,914.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index closed up 72 points, or 1.78 percent, at 4,163 on turnover of 1.7 trillion yuan.

The Shenzhen Component Index rose 341 points, or 2.13 percent, to 16,372, hitting a high of more than 10 years, on turnover of 2.03 trillion yuan while the ChiNext Index gained 107 points, or 2.52 percent, to 4,359, also a record high, on turnover of 1.02 trillion yuan.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei surged past the 72,000 mark for the first time to end 1,103 points, or 1.55 percent, higher at almost 72,354 after touching an intraday record peak of 72,831 on continued euphoria over AI investment and some progress in the US-Iran peace talks.

The broader Topix was 50 points, or 1.24 percent, up at 4,095.

In Seoul, the Kospi ended 62 points, or 0.69 percent, up at 9,114 as the market watchdog said South Korea is considering introducing stabilising measures as leveraged products tied to semiconductor stocks stoke volatility in the country's stock market.

The Nikkei 225 and Kospi were up more than 40 percent and 120 percent, respectively, over the past six months.

Both benchmark indexes have been setting fresh records in recent days on AI enthusiasm and positive developments from the Iran war.

“We’re seeing another strong market today,” said Neil Newman, managing director and head of strategy at Astris Advisory Japan.

He cautioned that the Japanese market is “probably getting a little stretched” from an investor’s point of view, “especially with what’s going [on] in the Middle East.” (Xinhua/AP)



Edited by Tony Sabine