Asia-Pacific shares traded higher on the optimism on Wall Street as stocks saw a boost from upbeat earnings and a strong consumer confidence reading.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 finally ended its losing streak, gaining 120.15 points, or 0.5%, to 26,507.87.
The Japanese yen strengthened further to stand at 131.94 against the U.S. dollar.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng leaped 518.73 points, or 2.7%, to 19,679.22, with property and technology stocks leading gains.
Korean markets improved as the nation’s annualized producer price index for November reached its lowest reading in 19 months.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 took on 5.49 points, or 0.1%, to 3,836.03, as Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday, and the two agreed to “restart dialogue” on trade and economic issues.
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex hiked 208.54 points, or 1.5%, to 14,442.94
In Korea, the Kospi index tacked on 27.78 points, or 1.2%, to 2,356.73.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index edged up 13.34 points, or 0.4%, to 3,269.53.
In Australia, the ASX 200 spiked 37.41 points, or 0.5%, to 7,152.50
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 was better 71.91 points, or 0.6%, to 11,523.96.
