<h1>Asian markets mixed as Japanese political crisis meets Chinese rate stability and Korean export gains</h1> Asian markets showed mixed performance following Wall Street's third consecutive weekly gain. Japanese markets remained closed for holidays amid political turmoil, as the ruling party lost parliamentary majorities for the first time since 1955. The Prime Minister faces pressure from voter frustration over rising prices and potential 25% US tariffs on exports. Chinese shares advanced after the central bank maintained key interest rates unchanged, with Hong Kong and Shanghai indices rising. South Korean markets gained on improved export data, while Australian markets declined. US futures edged higher despite Netflix falling despite strong earnings. A potential railroad merger between major companies faces regulatory scrutiny. Treasury yields eased as consumer inflation expectations decreased from 5% to 4.4%. Oil prices gained slightly in early trading.