Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index posting its first back-to-back gain in two weeks, as investors weighed earnings and U.S. data showing service-industries growth against a private jobs report that missed estimates.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dipped 25.26 points, or 0.2%, to 14,155.12
The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong regained 153.75 points, or 0.7%, to 21,423.13
Mazda Motor Corp. gained 4.3% in Tokyo after the carmaker raised its full-year net-income forecast. Sands China Ltd., a unit of billionaire Sheldon Adelson’s Las Vegas gaming company, jumped 11% in Hong Kong, leading a rebound for Macau casino operators. Naver Corp., a provider of web portal services, surged 7.3% in Seoul after its fourth-quarter operating profit beat estimates.
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Japan’s second-biggest paper company, leaped 7.8% after reporting nine-month net income that almost reached its full-year profit target.
Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd., the Macau casino operator controlled by billionaire Lui Che-woo, jumped 7.3%
Naver surged 7.3% after saying its fourth-quarter operating profit was 154.3 billion won. Analysts had expected 139.9 billion won.
In other markets;
Markets in Shanghai and New Zealand remained shuttered for holidays
Taiwan’s Taiex Index changed gears and added 46.53 points, or 0.6%, to 8,311.01
Singapore’s Straits Times Index moved higher 28.18 points, or 1%, to 2,988.27
Korea’s Kospi Index gained 16.57 points, or 0.9%, to 1,907.89
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 gained back 61.09 points, or 1.2%, to 5,131.40
