Asian markets close mixed on latest trade news

UPBEAT trade news nudged a majority of Asian markets higher on Monday, although Singapore was an exception, ending slightly lower on the day.

Singapore's Straits Times Index retreated 5.02 points or 0.16 per cent to 3,220.63.

Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur Composite Index lost 0.3 per cent.

In contrast, South Korea gained 1.02 per cent, and key indices in Japan were up between 0.6 to 0.8 per cent; Australia and New Zealand managed smaller gains of 0.3 and 0.1 per cent.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index surged 1.5 per cent, following peaceful district elections that swept pro-democracy parties to victory, with more than 75 per cent of the 452 seats, and wi…