Asian indexes traded higher on Wednesday, following the rise in U.S. indexes overnight on the back of strong earnings announcements and on expectations for U.S. President Donald Trump's impending tax reforms.
The Nikkei 225 in Japan kept its winning streak alive, gaining 210 points, or 1.1%, to 19,289.43
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index progressed 122.49 points, or 0.5%, to 24,578.43
In corporate news, Japan Post Holdings reported a $3.6-billion U.S. write-down on its Australian logistics unit, Toll Holdings. Japan Post also estimated losses of 40 billion yen ($362.35 million) — its first annual loss in around 10 years. Japan Post stocks closed 1.2% higher at 1,393 yen a share.
Meanwhile, Toshiba said it would part ways with its auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata, according to the Nikkei. The auditor did not endorse Toshiba's Q3 earnings released earlier this month.
The U.S. government could potentially provide support to Toshiba's U.S. nuclear arm Westinghouse, the Wall Street Journal said. Toshiba shares rose 2.3% to close at 220.9 yen a share.
The Bank of Japan also embarks on a two-day meeting beginning today.
Gaming stocks in Hong Kong popped on Wednesday, with most major companies registering gains above 3%. This follows the Q1 earnings release of Wynn Resorts, Wynn Macau's parent company, which beat Street estimates.
Wynn Macau Q1 net profits rose 26% on year. Shares of the Wynn Macau jumped 4.6% SJM Holdings added 4.9% and Melco International Development gained 6.3%.
In the U.S., stocks soared as McDonald's and Caterpillar reported solid earnings.
BHP Billiton cut its production targets for iron ore, coking coal and copper, highlighting poor weather in Australia and strikes at the Escondida mine in Chile. Shares of BHP Billiton gained 0.6% to end at A$24.08 a share.
The Australian dollar weakened against its U.S. counterpart to trade at $0.7500, off the $0.756 handle seen on Monday.
Australia reported that Q1 consumer price inflation rose 2.1% on the year even though key measure of core inflation remained below the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2% to 3% target.
Singapore industrial production numbers for March rose 10.2% on year due to strong performance from its electronics sector, more than the 7.1% that media outlets forecast.
In other markets
The CSI 300 in Shanghai gained 4.35 points, or 0.1%, to 3,445.78
In Taiwan, the Taiex index added 14.74 points, or 0.2%, to 9,856.45
The Kospi Index in Korea picked up 10.99 points, or 0.5%, to 2,207.84
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index moved up 9.83 points, or 0.3%, to 3,173.76
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 returned from holiday to leap 112.2 points, or 1.6%, to 7,335.13
In Australia, the ASX 200 also returned from ANZAC Day positive by 40.25 points, or 0.7%, to 5,912.04
