Asia-Pac stocks are in the green on..........>

STOCKS: Asia-Pac stocks are in the green on Thursday after a positive lead from

the US. In Japan the Nikkei 225 is up 24 points at 22935, the index opened flat

and trended higher throughout the session, peaking at the lunch break and

shaking off a stronger yen after robust economic data in the process. Industrial

Production and Retail Sales data were released, retail sales in particular were

robust and confirmed goods spending was picking up. On the Nikkei 225 7/11

sectors are in the green, led higher by Materials stocks. Trading is thin

heading into year end, this is the penultimate session of the calendar year.

- In Australia the ASX200 is up 10 points at 6080, the index opened flat and has

drifted higher during the session. Again, volumes are thin but a stronger metals

complex and higher oil has helped squeeze out some gains.

- In China the Shanghai Comp is up 15 points at 3291, in Hong Kong the Hang Seng

is up 163 points at 29760. The Hang Seng has hit the highest levels in 2 months

as Tech shares post solid gains following a volatile month in the sector.