Stock market today: Asian stocks gain ahead of US and Japan rate decisions

Asian stocks have gained ahead of policy decisions this week by Japan's central bank and the Federal Reserve. Chinese data released Monday were mixed, with property investment falling while other indicators showed improvement. Japan's benchmark jumped 2.7% on news that companies plan substantial wage hikes, which could boost the economy. On Friday, the S&P 500 fell 0.6% and the Dow industrials lost 0.5%. The Nasdaq composite sank 1%. Economic reports last week showed that inflation in the U.S., though broadly cooling, remains hotter than expected. That raised concerns about the Federal Reserve’s next move on interest rates, but Wall Street still sees potential for a cut in June.