"Asia Stocks React to US Inflation Data and Christmas Weekend, with Mixed Results"

Most Asian stocks traded within a narrow range as the rally fueled by a dovish Federal Reserve began to cool, with attention shifting to key U.S. inflation data. Regional stocks were influenced by mixed cues from Wall Street, with profit taking and cautiousness ahead of the inflation data. Japanese stocks steadied after a decline driven by Toyota's production suspension, while Australian and South Korean stocks remained relatively flat. Chinese shares lagged behind amid concerns over the economic recovery in China.