Asian markets started the week on a mostly upbeat note Monday, led by gains in banking shares such as Mizuho Financial Group in Tokyo and National Australia Bank in Sydney amid speculation financial groups in the U.S. may join to rescue a troubled New-York based bond insurer.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei index jumped 3.1 percent to close at 13,914.6, a month-and-a-half high.
Gainers in Tokyo on Monday included Aioi Insurance, which surged 14 percent, and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, which added 10 percent.
Among banks, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial rose 4.8 percent and Mitsubishi UFJ gained 4.1 percent.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 0.2 percent to 23,269.1.
Elsewhere:
Taiwan's Weighted Price Index was up 2.2%.
Singapore's FTSE Straits Index added 0.5% to 3,064.66.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 added 1.1%.
New Zealand's NZX 50 index was little changed.
South Korea's Kospi advanced 1.3%.
with files from other wire services
