Asian markets today, April 20 -- Asian markets traded mixed on Monday, April 20, as investors remained cautious, closely monitoring escalating tensions in the Middle East between Iran and the United States.

South Korea's Kospi edged up 0.27%, while the small-cap Kosdaq declined 0.52%. Japan's Nikkei 225 advanced 0.62%, and the Topix climbed 0.68%. Meanwhile, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.39% on Monday.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures stood at 26,502, indicating a higher opening compared to its previous close of 26,160.33.

Back home, GIFT Nifty was up nearly 57 points, trading at 24,477, compared to Friday's close of 24,353, indicating a positive-to-flat opening of the Nifty index on Monday.

"Global sentiment remains mixed. Asi...