Asian shares trade mixed as focus shifts to Fed's next move

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares traded mixed Tuesday as eyes turned to U.S. data reports set for release later in the week that are likely to impact whether the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates at its next meeting.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 erased earlier gains to finish 0.5% lower at 43,459.29, as political uncertainty continued after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said over the weekend that he planned to step down. Who will replace him is still uncertain and may take weeks to decide. The benchmark momentarily surpassed the 44,000 mark.