Japanese stocks rose to a 5-1/2 week high on Thursday morning after the yen resumed a weakening trend against the U.S. dollar amid a bounce in oil prices and growing expectations of further easing from the Bank of Japan.
The Nikkei share average climbed 2 percent to end the morning session at 17,236.37. The benchmark index hit a morning session high of 17,265.67, its highest point since March 15.
"Market participants are becoming more confident in their expectations of easing from the Bank of Japan next week and the yen has resumed its decline," said Andrew Meredith, co-managing director at Tyton Capital Advisors.
SHANGHAI, April 21 China stocks edged up on Thursday morning, recouping some of the previous day's losses after Beijing unveiled more measures to support the economy and as oil and commodity shares surged
The blue-chip CSI300 index rose 0.2 percent, to 3,187.89 points by the lunch break. The Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.4 percent, to 2,985.12 points.
After posting its worst performance in eight weeks on Wednesday amid worries about the economy, the Shanghai market on Thursday drew support from the new government measures to aid the economy.
China's cabinet said late on Wednesday the government would take steps to boost exports, including encouraging banks to boost lending, expanding export credit insurance and raising tax rebates for some firms.
Hong Kong stocks produced solid gains on Thursday as a strong overnight performance by oil helped boost energy shares.
The Hang Seng index rose 1.8 percent, to 21,622.25, while the China Enterprises Index gained 1.3percent, to 9,248.40 points.
Reference: Reuters
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