Equities held in the green in Asia on Tuesday after the first round of France's presidential election stoked a global relief rally, with several regional markets jumping to multi-year highs.
The Nikkei 225 in Japan flew another 203.45 points, or 1.1%, on top of Monday’s 200-point-plus surge to 19,079.33
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index leaped 316.46 points, or 1.3%, to 24,455.94
Meanwhile, HSBC was formally mandated to advise Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco on its initial public offering. HSBC shares traded 1.3% higher.
On the economic front, South Korea reported that April consumer confidence data hit a six-month high. It was the third straight month consumer confidence has increased on month.
Hong Kong March trade data was expected in late afternoon.
Markets are also keeping an eye on developments on the Korean Peninsula as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier-led battle group heads to the Sea of Japan.
The U.S. dollar gained against the yen to trade at 110.11, off the 109 handle seen earlier in the day, while the Australian dollar was rather flat at $0.7550.
In other markets
The CSI 300 in Shanghai recovered 10.05 points, or 0.3%, to 3,441.43, after a 1% drop on Monday.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index vaulted 123.76 points, or 1.3%, to 9,841.71
The Kospi Index in Korea picked up 23.11 points, or 1.1%, to 2,196.85
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index hiked 19.9 points, or 0.6%, to 3,163.93
Markets in Australia and New Zealand were shuttered for ANZAC Day
