Global Markets Today, Sept. 15 -- Asian markets started the week on a mixed note as investors monitored U.S.-China discussions in Spain and awaited key economic data from Beijing.

On Sunday in Madrid, U.S. and Chinese officials began talks covering national security, trade, and economic issues, including the looming deadline for TikTok's divestment and U.S. tariffs.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.75 per cent at the open, while South Korea's Kospi gained 0.67 per cent to hit a record high of 3,420.23, its 10th consecutive day of gains. The Kosdaq also edged up 0.4 per cent.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index was set for a slightly weaker open, with futures at 26,380 compared to the prior close of 26,388.16. Markets in Japan and Malays...