Asia stock markets steady in early trade

A sense of calm prevailed in markets across Asia on Monday as stocks seemed to steady in early trade after days of chaotic trading.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.7 per cent, following its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis. China and South Korea both gained about 0.9 per cent. Japan's Nikkei is closed for a public holiday.
Investors may could find relief in Friday's late Wall Street rally. The Dow and S&P both ended on a high note at the closing bell. But looming U.S. inflation numbers this week have sparked anxiety, and may help decide whether the stock market settles.
The potential for higher interest rates is still lingering, meaning any unexpected data could trigger another sell-off.