Shares fall in Japan, while most of Asia’s markets are shut for the Lunar New Year holiday

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell about 1% on Tuesday following a U.S. national holiday, while most markets in Asia were closed for Lunar New Year holidays.

U.S. futures declined and oil prices were mixed. Prices for gold and silver also fell.

Weak economic data released Monday appeared to be clouding sentiment in Tokyo, and a 6.2% decline for tech giant SoftBank Group also pulled shares lower. The decline follows a big rally after a resounding win for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling party in a Feb.