Stocks in Asia are in the green, taking......>

STOCKS: Stocks in Asia are in the green, taking their positive lead from US

stocks on Friday which once again hit record highs.

- In Japan the Nikkei 225 is up 76 points at 23,730, the index has come off

opening highs of around 23,883 dragged down by yen strength. USD/JPY is down

around 30 pips at 110.76. On the Nikkei 225 7/11 sectors are in the green, led

higher by Telecommunications. Softbank is one of the biggest gainers on the

index, rising after news of IPO on its mobile unit.

- In Austrlaia the ASX 200 is up 16 points at 6,086. The index is making gains

for the second consecutive day, supported by gains in oils and metals. Iron Ore

prices are up once again and supporting mining companies.

- In China the Shanghai Comp is flat at 3,428, in Hong Kong the Hang Seng is up

228 points at 31,640. The Hang Seng is up for the 15th straight day, on track

for a record rally. 

- Earnings season will be in focus over the coming weeks as well as key data

from the Asia-Pac region including China GDP, Aussie Labour Market and BoJ

announcement.