Asian markets close mixed, STI slips 0.3%

ASIAN markets started the week mixed and currencies retreated after news over the weekend that the Federal Reserve will continue raising interest rates.

This sent the greenback higher against emerging market currencies and dampened post US mid-term rallies in Asia.

Opening the week on a cautious note, key Asian indices the Hang Seng, Shanghai Composite Index, Nikkei and ASX 200 closed the day higher. However, the Kospi and the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index closed lower.