TD: Asian stocks rise on hopes strong regional GDP growth can withstand Europe debt crisis
SINGAPORE (AP) - Asian stock markets have risen on optimism that strong regional economic growth will likely withstand financial turmoil in Europe.
Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average rose 117.06 points, or 1.2 percent, to close at 9,639.72 on Thursday, while South Korea's Kospi jumped 1.6 percent. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index gained 1.7 percent.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 1.7 percent in afternoon trading. Taiwan shares closed up 1.1 percent.
In currencies, the dollar edged up to 90.16 yen in Tokyo from 89.84 yen in New York late Wednesday. The euro climbed to $1.2257 from $1.2156.