Silent start of the Asian stocks as many Asian markets closed for Lunar New year holiday

Asian stocks are trading slightly on lower note after mixed US job data released on last Friday. The number of payrolls rose a tepid 151,000 last month, missing the 190,000 jobs expected by analysts. In addition, jobless rate fell to 4.9% in January, marking the lowest level since February 2008.

Nikkei 225 index was trading 0.44% lower at 17,743.59 points.

Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was 0.22% lower to 4,965.80 points on Monday.

India's NSE index opens 0.01 pct up in pre-open trade.

All other Asian markets like Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China are closed today for the Lunar New Year holiday.