Asia stock markets rise in early trading






Asian stock markets rose in early trading Wednesday after the Dow Jones industrials posted their biggest gain in five weeks.

All markets in the region were modestly higher, with Australia's main index up 0.6 percent, hitting a two-month high in the morning. South Korea's Kospi climbed 0.7 percent, while the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.4 percent to 3,066.63.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average was up 0.7 percent at 10,845.74, led by a surging Nintendo Co.

The issue jumped 10 percent to 30,700 yen after the maker of the Wii said Tuesday it plans to release a 3-D version of its popular handheld gaming system, the Nintendo DS, by March 2011. The device will feature a 3-D display that does not require glasses.

Following other consumer electronics companies, Nintendo is turning to 3-D technology to help spur new demand and fend off emerging rivals like Apple's iPhone.

The government also released encouraging trade data for the world's second biggest economy. Driven by robust global demand for cars and gadgets, Japan's exports jumped 45 percent in February from a year earlier.

In Australia, mining shares were among the country's top gainers. BHP Billiton Ltd. rose 1.1 percent, while rival Rio Tinto jumped almost 2 percent.

Overall sentiment in Asia was lifted by a strong showing overnight on Wall Street.

Hopes for a big U.S. stock rally sent the Dow up 102.94, or 1 percent, to 10,888.83. The index hit a new high for 2010 and is at its highest level since Sept. 26, 2008.

Oil prices drifted Tuesday in New York before closing higher, as rising stock prices waged a tug-of-war with the stronger dollar and signs of lackluster energy demand. Benchmark crude for May delivery reversed earlier losses and gained 31 cents to settle at $81.91 a barrel.

In currencies, the dollar held steady at 90.41 yen. It rose slightly against the euro, which traded at $1.3469 from $1.3495 late Tuesday.