Stocks are mainly positive in the Asia-Pac...>

STOCKS: Stocks are mainly positive in the Asia-Pac region on Thursday, in Japan

the Nikkei 225 is up 269 points at 22,446 after plunging yesterday to record the

worst one day decline of 2017. This is the first up day in 4 for Japanese

stocks, the Nikkei 225 gapped higher at the open and has gradually added to the

gains. 10/11 sectors on the Nikkei are in the green, the laggard is the energy

sector after the drop in oil on Wednesday. 

- In Australia the ASX 200 is up 36 points at 5981, rising sharply from the open

on positive sentiment in the region and some dip buying after declines

yesterday. The AUD dropped after weaker than expected Trade Balance data which

has supported stocks. All 11 sectors on the index are in the green, led by

Utilities and IT, recovering after declines in these sectors last week.

- Chinese stocks are the weakest among the Asia-Pac complex, the Shanghai Comp

is down 20 points at 3273, the CSI 300 is down 42 points led lower by Financials

after an IMF report said that banks need more capital. In Hong Kong the Hang

Seng is up 11 points at 28236 but has fluctuated between minor gains and minor

losses.