Asia-Pacific stock indices followed their....>

STOCKS: Asia-Pacific stock indices followed their US counterparts higher after

the fear surrounding the Italian political situation abated, at least for now.

- The Nikkei 225 added 0.8% as automakers and chemical names led the advance,

although the utilities sector was provided a notable drag on the index.

- The Hang Seng added a little under 0.9% as the energy sector led the charge,

followed in close order by consumer staples, while telecoms lagged. China's CSI

300 was the regional outperformer adding 1.5% as the country's official PMI

suite posted stronger results than expected.

- The energy & materials sectors led the ASX higher, with the benchmark index

adding 0.5%, although real estate and health care names curtailed gains.

- US index futures posted marginal losses overnight.