Stocks in Asia Pacific were higher during Monday’s trading session, with shares in mainland China leading regional gains.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index spiked 407.96 points, or 1.8%, to 22,714.44.
The Japanese yen traded at 107.56 per U.S. dollar after strengthening from levels above 108 against the greenback last week.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index vaulted 966.04 points, or 3.8%, to 26,339.16.
The moves upward regionally came despite the World Health Organization saying Saturday that more than 200,000 coronavirus cases were confirmed over a 24-hour period — a record.
Over in the U.S., the states of Florida and Texas reported daily record spikes in coronavirus cases on Saturday. The recent surge in cases has raised concerns over the possibility of lockdowns being reintroduced to curb the virus’ spread, which could put a dent on the prospects for economic recovery.
The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.6964 following a rise from levels around $0.684 in the previous trading week.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 popped 250.67 points, or 5.7%, to 4,670.09.
Experts said the "sudden surge" in trading volume, as well as a break out for the Shanghai composite last week, raised investor expectations that "another bull run is coming." Some of the reasons he suggested for the uptick in sentiment included the country being less affected by the coronavirus outbreak at the moment.
In other markets
In Korea, the Kospi shot higher 351.52 points, or 1.7%, to 2,187.93
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index gained 36.67 points, or 1.4%, to 2,689.61
In Taiwan, the Taiex index acquired 207.54 points, or 1.7%, to 12,116.70
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 progressed 97.51 points, or 0.8%, to 11,656.21.
In Australia, the ASX 200 sank 43.27 points, or 0.7%, to 6,014.61.
