Asian Stocks Mixed Amid Upcoming Data and Diverging Growth Outlooks

Asian stocks were mostly flat ahead of upcoming economic data like inflation readings that could provide more clues about central bank policy.

South Korea's KOSPI rallied over 1% to a 2-year high, boosted by gains in chipmakers like SK Hynix on optimism for demand from artificial intelligence development.

Japan's Nikkei fell slightly as the index's recent rally slowed amid expectations of more hawkish policy from the Bank of Japan due to sticky inflation.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index edged lower on signs of weakening momentum in iron ore prices and anticipation of an interest rate hike.

Chinese stocks were flat to lower as a recent rebound rally appeared to lose steam on persistent economic growth concerns.