Asian markets rise in early trading

on 21/08/2012 07:06:51

Asian markets edged higher in early trading on lingering hopes that the European Central Bank might buy bonds to help struggling European economies, and rumours of fresh stimulus measures from China.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index rose 0.1% to 9,183.25, while South Korea's Kospi gained 0.4% to 1,954.64.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.1% to 20,124.52. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.5% to 4,385.20.

Benchmarks in Singapore, Taiwan and mainland China also rose.

Investors remain cautious ahead of a pivotal week for Greece, whose leaders need to demonstrate progress in implementing economic reforms.

Many market players are also awaiting the release later in the week of minutes from the US Federal Reserve.