CNBC Daily Open: U.S. labor market is in 'good shape'

This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe  here .

Asia stocks mixed
Asia markets were mixed Monday with a slew of inflation data from the region due for release this week. Hong Kong's Hang Seng as well as mainland China's CSI 300 gained. But Japan's Nikkei 225 and the Topix fell. Wall Street ended Friday on a mixed note ahead of a shortened four-day trading week due to the Good Friday holiday. The Dow slipped 0.77%, but gained just under 2% for its best week since December, nearing the 40,000 level. The S&P 500 fell 0.14%, while the Nasdaq rose 0.16% for another record. 

IMF urges China on reforms
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said China faces a "fork in the road," and called on Beijing to implement pro-market reforms. This could spur growth that would "amount to a 20% expansion of the real economy over the next 15 years — in today's terms, that is like adding US$3.5 trillion to the Chinese economy," she added.

China blocks Intel, AMD chips
China's new guidelines block Intel and AMD chips in government computers, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. Microsoft's Windows operating system and foreign-made database software also risk being sidelined, the report added. This comes as China seeks to elevate its domestic semiconductor sector in order to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Automakers fear China-built EV
A small China-made electric vehicle has global auto makers on edge because of its low cost. The China-built BYD Seagull, a small all-electric hatchback, is priced at just 69,800 yuan (or less than