Stocks in Asia are higher to start the.......>

STOCKS: Stocks in Asia are higher to start the week, though trade has been thin

with Japanese markets on holiday. In China the Shanghai Comp is up 11 points at

3,403, while in Hong Kong the Hang Seng is up 30,824. Shares took a positive

lead from US stocks on Friday which one again saw record highs. Chinese stocks

are on track for their 7th consecutive gains which equates to their longest run

of gains in 21 months. 

- Airlines and Property Developers lead the gains on the indices; Airlines are

boosted by news over the weekend that the government would ease control over

prices. 

- In Australia the ASX 200 is up 6 points at 6,128. The index has come off

session highs, but still near the highest level in 10 years tracking US stocks.

Tech and Healthcare sectors continue to perform well. There is positive

sentiment surrounding the impending earnings season.

- US futures are posting gains again, e-mini Dow is up 65 points, e-mini S&P 500

is up 2.5 points.