Shares in the Asia-Pacific were mixed on Tuesday as investors weigh risks and China saw a rise in Covid cases. The government reiterated its Covid-zero policy in a late afternoon press conference.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 1.16% in the final hour of trade, with the Hang Seng Tech index down 3.15% as Covid cases in China continue to grow. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.13% to 3,088.94, while the Shenzhen Component fell 1.18% to 11,002.93.
The Kospi in South Korea slipped 0.59% to 2,405.27 and Japan's Nikkei 225 inched up 0.61% to close at 28,115.74 while the Topix added 1.12% to 1,994.75. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.59% to 7,181.30.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.33%.
On Monday, Chinese banks were reportedly encouraged to increase credit to support the economy, especially industries that have been hit harder by Covid. Separately, Chinese local media cited the nation's securities regulator as saying the country needs to improve balance sheets of "good quality" property developers, according to Reuters.
Baidu and Kuaishou are set to report earnings later Tuesday. Overnight in the U.S., stocks closed lower after a volatile session.