Asia Markets Mixed Open as Japan's Nikkei 225 Extends Rally

Asia-Pacific markets are set for a mixed open, with Japan's Nikkei 225 poised to extend its rally to a seventh straight day. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 is on track for a third straight day of losses. U.S. markets were closed due to the Martin Luther King holiday, but futures indicate a potential decline when trading resumes. Economists anticipate an increase of 0.2% in U.S. December retail sales data, which could fuel recessionary fears and concerns about economic growth.