China shares fell on Monday as data showed growth in the world's second-largest economy hit a one-year low, with real estate and consumer staples stocks leading the drop.
Chinese A-shares edged higher on Friday, trimming losses for the week, but sentiment was cautious as investors balanced expectations of policy easing against worries of a slowing economy.
Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Thursday, tracking the Nasdaq overnight, with gains led by chip equipment maker Tokyo Electron and other heavyweight technology stocks.
Australian shares edged higher on Thursday, driven by gains in metal-centric and tech stocks, while diversified miner South 32 surged to a three-year high on buying a stake in a Chilean copper mine.
Japanese shares seesawed on Wednesday as investors nervously awaited U.S. consumer price data due later in the day, while department store operator J. Front Retailing jumped on positive earnings and hopes of economic reopening.