Asian shares are mixed as traders brace for a possible US government shutdown

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mixed in narrow trading Tuesday as investors braced for a possible U.S. government shutdown.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 declined nearly 0.3% to finish at 44,932.63.

China reported lackluster data on factory activity for September that reflect persistent weakness in the world’s second largest economy as trade tensions with the U.S. weigh on exports.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.3% to 26,694.10. The Shanghai Composite index added 0.5% to 3,882.07.

Elsewhere in Asia, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged down 0.2% to 8,847.00. South Korea’s Kospi slipped nearly 0.1% to 3,428.28.

The U.S. federal government is nearing a budget deadline that could result in its shutdown .

Past shutdowns have been shortlived and had minimal impact on markets and the economy. But