Asian shares mixed in muted trading amid virus worries

Asian shares are mixed in muted trading on continuing concerns about surging COVID-19 infections in key regional markets like Japan

TOKYO -- Asian shares were mixed in muted trading Tuesday on continuing concerns about surging COVID-19 infections in key regional markets like Japan. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 edged up 1.2% in afternoon trading to 28,115.93. South Korea's Kospi jumped 1.3% to 3,184.46. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.6% to 7,552.30. Hong Kong's Hang Seng dipped 0.4% to 25,447.73, while the Shanghai Composite fell 0.2% to 3,522.49. Reported coronavirus cases recently reached record highs in Japan, one of the hardest-hit nations in Asia and where a government state of emergency has been extended through Sept. 12. Japan's vaccine rollout, which got off to a slow start compared to other developed nations, stumbled recently when contaminants were found in the Moderna vaccine supply, forcing the suspension of more than 1.6 million doses. Global investors have their eyes on several key U.S. economic reports later this week, including consumer confidence on Tuesday and the closely watched monthly employment survey from the Labor Department on Friday.