Asia markets were mostly down Monday, with investors cautious ahead of US-China talks in Shanghai this week and amid more civil unrest in Hong Kong.
Two-day discussions begin on Tuesday with a Washington delegation led by White House Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
But analysts are pessimistic about a resolution to the year-long trade dispute between the world's top two economies that has seen USD 360 billion in tariffs imposed on bilateral trade.
"Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst best describes my view," said Vanguard Markets managing partner Stephen Innes.
"We are not overly optimistic about a positive Shanghai surprise."
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