Hong Kong stocks opened lower: Hang Seng Index down 0.47%, Hang Seng TECH Index down 0.2%. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (00981.HK) rose about 3%; Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (09988.HK) fell about 2%.

A lone dissent at the Bank of Japan’s latest rate decision signals a narrowing window for policy normalization. The dissent came from new member Asada—Takaichi’s first policy board appointee—who, attending only his second meeting, opposed lifting the benchmark rate to levels not seen since 1995 and signalled clear support for looser policy. Sanae Takaichi plans to appoint another pro-reflation board member this month to replace Junko Nakagawa at the end of her term, and two other firmly hawkish members face expiry in about a year, giving her scope to reshape the nine‑member policy board and shift its overall tilt under Governor Kazuo Ueda.

IRNA reports Iran's delegation remains at the negotiating venue in Switzerland; talks between the parties and mediators from Pakistan and Qatar are ongoing.