Asia-Pacific Markets Mixed with Nikkei Down 0.2%, ASX Up 1.1%, Awaiting U.S. Data and Fed Comments

Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed amid cautious investor sentiment driven by recent economic data and geopolitical developments. The Nikkei 225 declined 0.2% following a contraction in Japan's economy in the first quarter, while Australia's ASX 200 rose 1.1% and South Korea's KOSPI gained 0.4%. U.S. equity futures were subdued, with the S&P 500 futures down 0.6%, as investors awaited comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and upcoming U.S. economic data. The U.S. dollar index (DXY) remained lower but stable, with the euro marginally reclaiming 1.12 against the dollar and the yen finding support near 145.00. European equities were subdued ahead of U.S. data releases, and fixed income benchmarks held steady. Market movements were also influenced by cautious remarks from Germany's Finance Ministry and Bank of England policymaker Michael Mann, who noted resilience in the U.K. labor market. Lower oil prices contributed to declines in the Canadian dollar, while the Australian dollar fell despite stronger wage data. Overall, investor focus remained on U.S.-China trade developments and regional economic indicators.