Asia equities mixed as lack of data leave markets directionless

Asian markets were a mixed bag on Tuesday, with Japan markets opening higher as telecoms and lenders gained, but Chinese markets opening in the red, following Monday's GDP data.

A lack of economic data on Tuesday left markets directionless in Asia, particularly after yesterday's stronger-than-expected Chinese GDP print made little noise.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 0.27% to 18,179.51 points in morning trade on Tuesday, while Tokyo's broader Topix gauge gained 0.21% to trade at 1,497.91 points.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index dropped 0.45% to 22,970.94 points shortly after the opening bell, and mainland China's benchmark Shanghai Composite was little down at 3,384.08 points at the same time.

Korea's benchmark Kospi index eased 0.11% to 2,027.95 points this morning in Seoul.

The benchmark Australian S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.42% to 5,247.80 points in Sydney, with resource stocks and banks losing steam early on.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.83% to 5,883.25 points this afternoon in Wellington.