FHFA Director Pulte said mortgage insurers have earned substantial profits, with profit margins as a share of revenue at incredibly high levels. He urged mortgage insurers to, where appropriate and reasonable, create room to pass cost savings on to consumers.

Hang Seng Index opened up 0.07%; Hang Seng Tech Index up 0.47%. GAC Group (02238.HK) rose more than 8% after proposing an A-share issuance to acquire FAW's stake in a joint-venture automaker.

ECB Governing Council member Moulin said on Tuesday the recent rise in long-term bond yields is mainly driven by increased government and corporate debt supply and higher inflation expectations. He added that, despite higher yields, the French finance ministry did not face funding difficulties in recent debt issuance. Speaking at a Paris press conference, Moulin said governments must take concrete, credible steps to reduce fiscal deficits given current market conditions.