Investors were in cautious mood ahead of Wednesday’s latest US inflation figures while China’s woes also distracted traders

Analysts say the shift points to fresh confidence in Japan – despite being rattled by its biggest one-day stocks rout since 1987

All eyes were on US jobs figures due out later in the day as Tokyo extended its losing streak to four days while China stocks hit seven-month lows

Guotai Junan bids for Shanghai rival Haitong Securities, after Beijing called for mergers in a sector with over 140 local and foreign players. It wants about 10 leading institutions in coming years.

Looming jobs figures from the US saw another subdued day of trading with currency moves and China stimulus the main focus

Investors remained cautious for a second successive day while China’s property woes saw its banks take a profits hit

A key US jobs report due on Friday saw many investors stay on the sidelines and regional markets react to domestic cues

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said China was 'not playing by the same rules' as the rest of the world. He is also considering similar levies on imports of chips and solar cells

Investors will be listening keenly to Jerome Powell when he speaks at a central bank event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Weak consumer demand in China though cast a shadow, putting the brakes on any surges in equities across the region

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing earned its first profit in three quarters, thanks partly to Chinese authorities speeding up approval of IPOs

Increased hopes that the US will dodge a recession and shortening odds on a Fed rate cut soon encouraged risk-taking