DHAKA: Asian markets started the week with losses as investors’ confidence was dented by China’s manufacturing data.

The official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed that factor activity unexpectedly shrank in October to 49.8, below the 50-point mark, which suggests contraction.

It is also marks the third consecutive month of contraction in manufacturing, reports the BBC.

The Shanghai Composite fell 1.1% to 3,346.24, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index lost 1.2% to 22,373.58 points.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index was also down 1.6% to 18,778.81.

Investors are awaiting earnings from major exporters such as Nissan after the stock market closes.

The focus is also on US data with key employment figures due on Friday, which could impact the Federal Reserve’s highly anticipated decision to raise interest rates.

In Australia, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was down 1.2% to 5,177.50 ahead of the central bank's decision on interest rates on Tuesday.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to keep interest rates at a record low of 2%.

Westpac shares were down 2.1% after it wrapped up Australia’s bank reporting season, seeing a 3% rise in its annual cash profit.

The country’s four major banks are preparing for their slowest earnings growth since the global financial crisis due to low interest rates and a cooling economy.

Bucking the trend, South Korea’s Kospi index was up 0.2% to 2,034.14 points.

BDST: 1221 HRS, Nov 02, 2015
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