Most global markets weakened overnight, as investors reacted to the weekend's disappointing Chinese trade figures.

Data showed Chinese exports collapsed in February, stoking fears of slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy.

After opening with heavy early losses, US stocks recovered to finish the session with only modest declines.

The downbeat Chinese export numbers weighed heavily on growth-linked commodities likes oil and copper.

However gold managed a modest gain amid renewed investor appetite for safe haven assets.

The Aussie dollar was flat against the greenback, as traders put down the slide in China's exports to the effects of the Chinese lunar New Year.

In economic news, the NAB Business Confidence Survey is due for release at 11:30am, AEDT.

Morning Market Update: Mixed Start Ahead is a post from: Australian Stock Report Market Pulse Blog