Japan's Nikkei 225 index increased by 1.3% thanks to a successful start to the reporting season and expectations of easing US monetary policy, AP reported.
South Korea's Kospi hit a new all-time high, rising 2.5% on hopes of a trade deal with the United States and gains in technology and auto stocks.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index rose thanks to a rise in gold mining stocks amid record prices for the precious metal. At the same time, the unemployment rate in Australia rose to 4.5% – the highest level in four years, increasing expectations that the central bank is about to cut interest rates.
While most markets in the region rose, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.4% and Shanghai's Shanghai Composite was virtually unchanged. The restraint of Chinese investors is due to fears that the trade conflict between the US and China will further escalate following Donald Trump's recent statements on imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods.
