HONG KONG: Asian markets mostly extended their gains Wednesday on optimism ahead of another ECB refinancing operation while US stocks provided a strong cue after closing at a near four-year high.
The euro was mixed in the afternoon amid expectations of a strong take-up of the European Central Bank's offer of cheap cash to under-pressure lenders, while oil prices rose on concerns over the stand-off between Iran and the West.
Sydney ended 0.84 percent, or 35.9 points, stronger at 4,298.6, Seoul added 1.33 percent, or 26.56 points, to 2,030.25 and Tokyo closed flat, edging up 0.72 points to 9,723.24.
In afternoon trade Hong Kong was 0.19 percent up but Shanghai slipped 0.70 percent. (AFP)
The euro was mixed in the afternoon amid expectations of a strong take-up of the European Central Bank's offer of cheap cash to under-pressure lenders, while oil prices rose on concerns over the stand-off between Iran and the West.
Sydney ended 0.84 percent, or 35.9 points, stronger at 4,298.6, Seoul added 1.33 percent, or 26.56 points, to 2,030.25 and Tokyo closed flat, edging up 0.72 points to 9,723.24.
In afternoon trade Hong Kong was 0.19 percent up but Shanghai slipped 0.70 percent. (AFP)