<h1>Asian markets mixed as Japanese stocks fall despite positive sentiment while Korean markets surge</h1> Asian markets showed mixed performance following US stocks reaching record highs after a second consecutive winning month. Japanese markets declined despite positive business sentiment data, while Chinese markets gained on improved manufacturing indicators. South Korean markets surged on strong export recovery driven by semiconductor and ship demand. US markets continued their upward trajectory with major indices posting gains, boosted by trade developments with Canada and corporate earnings from technology companies. Several major merger and acquisition deals drove individual stock movements, while banking stocks strengthened following positive regulatory assessments.