Japan markets set to dip; investors monitor bitcoin volatility

Japan markets set to dip; investors monitor bitcoin volatility

SINGAPORE — Stocks in Asia-Pacific dropped in early trade on Monday, while investors will keep an eye on bitcoin prices after they . Oil prices jumped during early Asia trade. Japan's fell 1.1%, while the Topix was down 0.67%. South Korea's Kospi also dropped around 1%. Australia's edged down 0.3%. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dipped 0.24%. Stocks across the region and globally have seen turbulent trading since last week on fears surrounding the new omicron variant. Over in Hong Kong markets, four new stocks — including Chinese technology giants  and  — will be index. The latest update increases the number of stocks in the main index to 64, from the current 60 stocks. At the same time, troubled Chinese property developer Evergrande will be removed from the China Enterprises index. Evergrande, embroiled in debt problems, warned Friday in a filing with the Hong Kong exchange that it has received a demand to repay about $260 million. "In the event that the Group is unable to meet its guarantee obligations or certain other financial obligations, it may lead to creditors demanding acceleration of repayment," it said. Bitcoin volatility Investors will continue to monitor crypto after