Asia stocks gain as soft data lift stimulus hopes

Global equity markets also received a lift after the Chinese central bank's move on Friday to cut how much cash banks must hold in reserve, releasing liquidity to shore up an economy hit by the Sino-U.S. trade conflict.

TOKYO: Asian stocks edged higher on Monday amid a cautious mood as investors pinned their hopes on expected global stimulus to support slowing growth in the world's major economies.

Global equity markets also received a lift after the Chinese central bank's move on Friday to cut how much cash banks must hold in reserve, releasing liquidity to shore up an economy hit by the Sino-U.S. trade conflict.