Japanese shares rebounded on Monday following stronger-than-expected US payroll data for September.

US Labor Department figures showed 248,000 jobs were created last month and the unemployment rate dropped to a six-year low of 5.9%.

Japan's Nikkei 225 opened 1.1% higher while the broader Topix rose 1%.

The Japanese yen also weakened against the US dollar, which is near a four-year high on speculation the US central bank may raise interest rates earlier.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong stocks opened flat as pro-democracy protests stretched into the second week.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.05% or 10.77 points to 23,053.79 points.

Over in South Korea, the Kospi rose 0.3% on Monday after being closed the previous session for a public holiday.

Companies that do business with North Korea saw their shares jump after Pyongyang unexpectedly sent its most senior delegation ever to attend the closing of the Asian Games in Seoul.

This includes Hyundai Merchant Marine, the largest shareholder of Hyundai Asan which is a major investor in North Korea.

Australian economy

Australian stocks fell 0.4% after private data showed inflation cooled in September. The Australian dollar also fell to a four-year low against the US dollar.

According to TD Securities and the Melbourne Institute, consumer prices rose at only 2.2% from a year ago last month, compared to a revised 2.4% reading for August.

China, India and most Southeast Asian markets are closed today for a public holiday.

However, investors will be closely watching the election results in Brazil, where president Dilma Rousseff is expected to face a runoff against pro-business rival Aecio Neves on 26 Oct.

Latin America's largest economy is a major destination for foreign investment from Asia.

Source: BBC