Global markets today, Aug. 21 -- Asian markets mostly traded higher as investors evaluated the S&P 500's four-day losing streak, driven by declines in technology stocks.

Market participants in the region are also awaiting India's HSBC Composite flash purchasing managers' index (PMI) for August, which offers an early read on private sector activity and is expected later in the day.

Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 0.21 per cent in early trading, with the broader Topix falling 0.4 per cent.

South Korea's Kospi gained 0.81 per cent, while the Kosdaq climbed 0.62 per cent. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 opened 0.47 per cent higher.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index is expected to open flat, with futures at 25,168 compared to the previous close of...