Chinese and South Korean stock markets extended their record run Tuesday, while Japanese indexes also marked a positive session as Mizuho Financial Group and other domestic-focused stocks advanced after the government released better-than-forecast economic data.
In Tokyo, the benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 84.97 points, or 0.48 percent, to finish at 17,672.56 while in Hong Kong, the blue chip Hang Seng Index fell 60.17 points, or 0.29 percent, to 20,469.59.
Investors were heartened by reports that showed Japan's jobless rate fell to 3.8 percent, the lowest in nine years, and that household spending rose 1.1 percent in April.
Tuesday's gainers included banks and real estate shares, with Aozora Bank Ltd. rising 1.57 percent to 452 yen (US$3.74) and Mitsui Fudosan Co. climbing 1.38 percent to 3,680 yen (US$30.41). Shipping stocks also advanced, with Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. posting a 2.21 percent gain to 1,431 yen (US$11.83).
Sanyo Electric Co. jumped 10.36 percent to 213 yen (US$1.76) after the struggling electronics maker said Monday it expects to return to the black this fiscal year.
Elsewere:
MANILA -- Philippine shares gained for the second straight session Tuesday, lifted by property stocks with strong growth prospects. The benchmark 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index was up 9.06 points, or 0.3 percent, to 3,452.62, adding to Monday's 0.05 percent rise. The market hit a record high last week.
SEOUL -- South Korean shares rose Tuesday to another record led by a surge in Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 3.89 points, or 0.2 percent, to 1,661.80. The Kospi has closed at record highs in 14 of the 19 trading sessions this month.
SINGAPORE -- Singaporean stocks rose after a uneven day Tuesday, and traders said the index may continue to lack direction for the rest of the week due to a shortage of leads. The Straits Times Index advanced 13.71 points, or 0.4 percent, to 3,527.08 points.
AUSTRALIA -- Australian stocks climbed Tuesday as takeover activity and speculation boosted the market. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 66.2 points, or 1.0 percent, to 6,317.6, while the All Ordinaries index added 63.8 points to 6,338.8.
With files from wire services
