Trading in Asian markets is mixed and muted ahead of a key Fed Chair speech

Asian shares are mixed in muted trading ahead of a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that might deliver clues on how quickly and deeply the Fed may cut interest rates. Benchmarks rose Friday in Tokyo and Shanghai, but fell in Sydney, Seoul and Hong Kong. The Bank of Japan appeared to indicate in comments before parliament that more rate increases may be coming for Japan, but they would be gradual. The bank ended negative interest rates in March then raised rates in July. Next week will bring GDP data from the U.S., Canada, Germany and India.