Asia Markets Rise as Japan's Economy Surpasses Expectations

Asian stock markets were mostly higher on Monday, following a weaker-than-expected report on the US economy. The S&P 500 index fell 0.2% last week after data showed shoppers spent less at US retailers in July.

The Japanese government reported that its economy grew slightly faster than forecast in the April-June quarter, expanding at a 1.1% annual pace. In quarterly terms, the economy grew 0.3% in the second quarter of the year.

US futures were little changed and oil prices were mixed. Brent crude, the international standard, edged 0.1% higher to $88.62 per barrel, while US benchmark crude slipped 0.3% to $82.19 per barrel.