In Japan, the Nikkei 225 was up 0.53 percent, despite the weaker economic data released. A weaker yen likely drove the market's gains.
The ASX 200 fell 0.24 percent, weighed by declines in its financials subindex, which was down 0.51 percent. Losses were offset by strength in the energy subindex, which gained 0.48 percent, and the materials sector, up 0.68 percent.
