Asian stocks turned in a mixed performance on Monday as investors awaited earnings for direction amid public holidays in several key financial markets. Many markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including those in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines were closed for the Lunar New Year holidays. The Japanese market was shut for the National Foundation Day. South Korea, Japan and the Philippines will resume trading on Tuesday, while Singapore and Malaysia will return to action on Wednesday. Hong Kong will resume trading on Thursday, while China and Taiwan are off until next Monday.

Nikkei 225 Closed

Hang Seng Closed

S&P/ASX 200 4,959.5 -11.79 -0.24%

Shanghai Composite Closed

Global miner BHP Billiton slipped 0.6 percent and rival Rio Tinto edged down 0.2 percent as base metal prices eased.

Among the major banks, Westpac shed 0.4 percent and ANZ declined 1.2 percent, while NAB rose 0.2 percent and Commonwealth added half a percent.

Insurance Australia Group slipped 0.4 percent after the company said it has received more than 13,700 claims relating to the impact of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald to date.