Stocks in Asia were mixed on the final day of 2018, as most major markets around the globe were set to record calendar year declines.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 1.34 percent to finish the trading year at 25,845.70. The day's gains, however, were unable to offset the index's performance for 2018 — with it declining about 13.61 percent as compared to its final close of 2017. Hong Kong's markets closed at 12:00 p.m. HK/SIN today for New Year's Eve.

The in Australia, meanwhile, slipped 0.14 percent to close out 2018 at 5,646.40. The benchmark Australian index ended 2018 lower by 6.9 percent as compared to its final close of 2017. Australia's markets closed at 11:10 a.m. HK/SIN today for New Year's Eve.

On Monday, the materials subindex Down Under gained 0.4 percent, as shares of major miners advanced. Rio Tinto rose 0.50 percent, Fortescue advanced 1.21 percent and BHP Billiton climbed up by 0.82 percent.

Markets in Japan, South Korea and mainland China were closed.