The Tokyo Stock Exchange began trading with gains, despite mixed US stock index closes, with investors optimistic about reaching a quick solution to resolve the US federal government shutdown.
At the opening, the Nikkei strengthened 0.28% to 50,986.96 with a gain of 144 points. In terms of exchange rates, the yen was stable against the dollar at a level just above 154 and depreciated against the euro at 178.50.
Hong Kong trading is back in positive territory: the Hang Seng index initially recorded a rise of 0.24% to 26,760.85 points. Mainland Chinese markets opened the session with little movement, below parity: the Shanghai Composite index lost 0.15% to 3,996.56 points, while the Shenzhen index lost 0.25% and slipped to 2,511.40.
