Asia-Pacific stocks rise

Stocks in Asia-Pacific traded higher Monday morning as investors watched for developments on U.S. President Donald Trump’s health after he tested positive for the coronavirus last week.

Stocks in Australia led gains among the region’s major markets, with the S&P/ASX 200 up about 2.1% as shares of the country’s major banks surged: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group gained 3.63%, Commonwealth Bank of Australia added 2.65%, Westpac rose 3.74% and National Australia Bank soared 3.26%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 1.57% in early trade following its return to trade from holidays last week, with shares of HSBC soaring more than 4%.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 1.28% in morning trade as the Topix index gained 1.83%. South Korea’s Kospi added 1.06%.

Overall, the MSCI Asia ex-Japan traded 1.01% higher.

Markets in China are closed on Monday for a holiday.

Avadoot Shah

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