Asian markets slip as central bank meetings and big tech earnings loom

Asian stock markets opened lower on Monday amid inflation concerns, despite Brent oil prices easing from six-month highs. Investors are focused on central bank meetings and big tech earnings this week. Brent crude fell 1.0% to $115.48 per barrel after Qatari mediators visited Tehran to reduce Middle East tensions. However, prices remain elevated after a 6.2% weekly surge, driven by supply fears from Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia. Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 0.8%, South Korea's KOSPI fell 0.4%, and MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan slipped 0.1%. The Fed, ECB, and BOJ are expected to hold rates, while markets price an 80% chance of a Fed hike in December.