Stocks in Asia are mostly higher, rising.....>

STOCKS: Stocks in Asia are mostly higher, rising alongside US equity futures on

the back of positive sentiment after the US Senate passed their version of the

tax bill, however upside is limited as markets exercise caution due to the

ongoing investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia. Stocks

in Japan are the exception, the Nikkei 225 last down 45 points at 22,773. On the

Nikkei 225 3/11 sectors are in the red, Utilities and Telecommunications are the

biggest decliner and IT sector is also lower extending the rout seen last week.

- In Australia the index is flat, last at 5989. Shares have been treading water

throughout the session. 5/11 sectors are in the green, Telecommuications is the

best performing sector. Materials are also higher with Rio Tinto seeing strong

gains after announcing Simon Thompson will take over as Chairman.

- In China the Shanghai Comp is up 4.03 points at 3321, in Hong Kong the Hang

Seng is up 187 points at 29,261. The Hang Seng has rebounded from a brief dip at

the open, and their worst week of 2017 last week.