Asian stock markets were steady ahead of several big central bank meetings this week… while the U.S. dollar slid against Asian currencies, pushing gold prices to a near record high.

Seoul shares edged lower, dragged down by techs and banks.

Japan's market was closed for a public holiday.

China Merchants Securities will launch an initial public offering that could be worth $1.5 billion or more in Shanghai this week… as regulators resume approving big IPOs.

Elsewhere, Australia's central bank raised interest rates for a second straight month… as it moved to gradually lessen stimulus in an improving economy.