Asian stocks hesitate, Shanghai 300 easing forward to 3,200.00

• Asian markets are remaining moderately bid as investors search for an impetus to hold their buys instead of out-right fleeing.
• Markets are bracing for a feared steepening slowdown at the hands of protectionist trade wars.

Asian equities are taking it easy on Monday, with major indexes eking out minor gains, or at least managing to maintain an upright position heading into another week, with questions surrounding how long the recent bullish runs can last.

With key data due for China's economy on Wednesday, investors will be looking to keep the boat upright, although global indexes are facing increasing pressure as the latest round of earnings are sparking concerns that a peak may have been reached, and the other side of the hill could be coming in for a landing. US CPI readings due later in the week will also give investors some further indications about what the potential costs of a Sino-US trade war could cost.

As noted by Junheung Li, the founder of JL Warren Capital LLC, "Clearly there’s a deceleration due to the soft macro picture for the economy, but where we can get some comfort from this number is that Chinese consumers are slowing, not collapsing.”

Japan's markets are mixed, with the Tokyo Topix index down -0.11% and the Nikkei 225 up a scant 0.05%, while China is moderately more positive, with the Hong Kong Hang Seng up 0.27% and the Shanghai CSI 300 looking for more recovery, up over 0.90% on the day, while Australia's ASX 200 remains up 0.33%. Emerging markets, the Achillies heel of the Pacific-Asia market session sees declines i nthe broad Asia MSCI index, declining -1.20%.