Asian stock markets advanced on Monday, bolstered by improved U.S. retail sales and Europe’s renewed efforts to contain its debt crisis.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock average rose 1.5 per cent to 8,881.42, hitting a six-week intraday high at one point.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 1.7 per cent to 18,824.07, South Korea’s Kospi was up 1.2 per cent at 18,824.07 and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 1.8 per cent to 4,282.30.
Sentiment brightened after stronger retail sales data in the U.S., leading to gains on Wall Street before the weekend. The Dow Jones Industrials rose 1.4 per cent to close at 11,644.49 on Friday.
Retail sales, which are a key barometer of consumer spending, recorded the biggest gain in seven months in September and double what economists were expecting. The data added to signs that the world’s biggest economy may avoid another recession.
Worries about Europe’s debt problems also eased following a meeting of Group of 20 finance chiefs over the weekend in Paris.
The group opened the door for the International Monetary Fund to play a bigger role in fighting the escalating debt troubles among countries that use the euro common currency. It also said eurozone Ministers will “decisively address the current challenges through a comprehensive plan” to be unveiled on October 23, 2011.
In currencies, the dollar edged up to 77.24 yen from 77.22 late Friday. The euro fell to $1.3851 from $1.3875.
With the dollar holding above the 77-yen line, investors sent Japanese exporters higher. Sony surged 4.6 per cent, while Toyota Motor 2.4 per cent.
Missing out on the rally was camera and precision instruments maker Olympus, which plunged after firing its British CEO on Friday after just six months.
The issue tumbled more than 22 per cent, following a double-digit slide before the weekend. Several ratings agencies issued downgrades, while media reports said Michael Woodford was dismissed after questioning Olympus executives about improper corporate governance and several acquisitions before he arrived.
Benchmark oil for November delivery was up 35 cents at $87.15 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $2.57 to settle at $86.80 in New York on Friday.
