Asia-Pac stocks are in the green to close....>

STOCKS: Asia-Pac stocks are in the green to close out the week, a positive lead

from the US and broad risk on sentiment engendered by positive political

developments in the US and Europe have helped push all the major indices into

positive territory.

- The Nikkei 225 is up 268 points at 22766, the index gapped higher at the open

and has trended upwards through the session. A weaker yen is helping exporters

today, USD/JPY last up 25 pips at 113.34. All 11 sectors on the Nikkei are in

the green, led by the IT sector after a rout of tech companies earlier in the

week saw the Nikkei 225 endure a 3-day losing streak. GDP data out of Japan was

also strong at 2.5% annual growth from the 1.5% initial print, household

spending drove the increase and has helped boost bullish sentiment.

- In Australia the ASX 200 is up 17 points at 5995. 7/11 sectors are in the

green, led by Telecommunications and Energy sectors, after falling on Wednesday

WTI has regained some ground and helped boost the sector.

- In China the Shanghai Comp is up 7 points at 3278 and in Hong Kong the Hang

Seng is up 260 points at 28564, however both are set to make weekly losses.