Economic data on tap appeared thin on Friday, while investors in Asia will continue to assess the political uncertainty in South Korea.

Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed on Friday after a lackluster start to the year on Wall Street. Market participants also assess the comments from the People’s Bank of China, indicating that it would likely reduce interest rates from the current 1.

Asia-Pacific markets are set to open lower on the second last day of the year, tracking Wall Street’s declines on Friday.

Asia-Pacific markets are set to open higher on Christmas Eve, tracking Wall Street gains before the holidays. Traders will monitor any developments related to the planned merger of Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda.

Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed on Thursday as several major markets resumed trading after the New Year’s Day holiday. Investors reacted to private survey data showing factory activity in China grew less than expected in December,