Asia-Pacific markets closed mixed Thursday in the absence of any major triggers, with investors assessing the Bank of Korea's policy decision.

South Korea's central bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 2.5% for a second straight meeting despite an uncertain trade environment for the country. The move was in line with expectations of economists polled by Reuters.

South Korea's Kospi added 0.29% to close at 3,196.32 and the small-cap Kosdaq lost 0.41% to end the trading day at 798.43. The South Korean won strengthened 0.36% to 1,387.58 against the greenback.

Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 0.73% to end the trading day at 42,828.79, while the Topix inched higher by 0.65% to close at 3,089.78.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.22% to close at 8,980.

Australian rare earths pro

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