Asian stock markets are trading mostly lower on Monday, following the broadly positive cues from global markets on Friday, as traders seemed reluctant to make significant moves ahead of several key economic reports and corporate earnings numbers later in the week from the U.S. They are also looking for additional clarity about the outlook for the markets following the volatility seen in recent sessions. Asian markets closed mostly lower Friday.
The Australian stock market is modestly lower on Monday, extending the losses in the previous session, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 staying above the 7,300 level, despite the broadly positive cues from global markets on Friday, with losses in mining and energy stocks partially offset by gains in technology and financial stocks.
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Market Analysis
April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.