Japanese stocks are in positive territory,...>

STOCKS: Japanese stocks are in positive territory, snapping a 3 day losing

streak. The Nikkei 225 is last up 103 points at 22,475, the Topix  is up around

2.5 points at 1,786. The indices initially opened lower as bonds caught a bid

following dovish comments from BoJ members, but the index quickly saw a bid and

ground higher throughout the morning session. Sources note a bout of bargain

hunting after the losing streak in the Japanese indices.

- Elsewhere in Asia stocks are in the red. In Australia the ASX200 is down

around 55 points at 5,967. After rising above the 6,000 handle last week the

index plunged through the level today tripping stops in the process. Strong NAB

Business Conditions data did not support the index, markets instead chose to

focus on the slightly weaker than expected tranche of China data.

- Equity indices in China are lower, the Shanghai Comp down around 15 points,

the Hang Seng in Hong Kong faring slightly better up 3.5 points.