Most Asia markets fall ahead of Bank of Japan decision

Most major markets in the Asia-Pacific region fell ahead of a key monetary policy decision by the Bank of Japan, and as investors assessed manufacturing data from China.

The Bank of Japan will conclude its two-day policy meeting later in the day, with investors watching for any signs of the central bank raising its inflation forecasts.

It is also expected to discuss further adjustments to its bond yield control.

Elsewhere Tuesday, China purchasing manager’s index data for October came in at 49.5 against a Reuters poll expectation of 50.2. A PMI reading below 50 signifies a contraction.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 dipped 0.20%, while the Topix added 0.33%.

South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.71% and the Kosdaq dropped 1.35%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index opened down 0.83%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 index shed 0.23%.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was 0.30% higher.