Asian shares cautious ahead of U.S. inflation reading

Asian share markets started cautiously during their Monday trade. This came after investors waited for U.S. inflation figures due this week, which will then determine the Federal Reserve’s next stance for its monetary and policy rates.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan made minimal movements, while Japan’s benchmark index Nikkei gained 0.1%. South Korean shares were seen stagnant. Nasdaq futures shed 0.2% as S&P 500 e-minis traded a fraction firmer.

After services sectors across the globe staged an impressive expansion, investors’ focus was now on U.S. personal consumption and inflation figures. The series of readings, which will be released this week, will determine whether the Federal Reserve will change its accommodative policy rates or maintain it.