Stocks in Asia jumped on Monday as investors shrugged off concerns over the rising number of coronavirus cases stateside.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index vaulted 493.93 points, or 2.2%, to 22,874.76, as shares of conglomerate Softbank Group climbed 4.2%, and robot maker Fanuc soared 3.2%.
The Japanese yen traded at 106.94 per U.S. dollar following a strengthening from levels above 107.2 against the greenback last week.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index recovered 44.71 points, or 0.2%, to 25,772.12, with shares of HSBC surging around 3%.
The World Health Organization on Sunday reported a record daily rise in global coronavirus cases. Stateside, Florida on Sunday reported more than 15,000 new coronavirus infections — the highest single day total to date for any U.S. state since the pandemic began in the country.
The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.6972 after turbulent trading last week that saw it swinging between levels below $0.694 to above $0.698.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 regained 99.83 points, or 2.1%, to 4,852.96.
The strong moves upward for Chinese stocks came despite comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday that the relationship between Washington and Beijing has been "severely damaged" by the coronavirus pandemic.
The U.S. also issued an advisory on Saturday asking its citizens to "exercise increased caution" in China due to a "heightened risk of arbitrary detention."
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 regained 99.83 points, or 2.1%, to 4,852.96.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index came back from a long weekend and lost 21.57 points, or 0.8% to 2,631.08
In Korea, the Kospi regained 35.81 points, or 1.7%, to 2,186.06
In Taiwan, the Taiex index rebounded 137.88 points, or 1.1%, to 12,211.56
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 regrouped 39.94 points, or 0.4%, to 11,434.80
In Australia, the ASX 200 picked up 58.3 points, or 1%, to 5,977.52.
