Stocks in Asia-Pac are in the green,.........>

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

stocks which hit yet another record high. There is growing optimism that US

lawmakers will pass tax reforms. In Japan the Nikkei 225 is up 9 points at

22910, the index opened at session highs around 22990 but quickly saw some

profit taking after rising 1.6% on Monday. The index is also supported by decent

data over the past few weeks including Trade Balance data on Monday. On the

index 4/11 sectors are in the green with Consumer Discretionary driving the

gains, the Energy sector is the laggard.

- In Australia the ASX 200 is up 40 points at 6079, the index is the highest

since 2007. Stocks climbed at the open and have ground higher throughout trade,

gains are broad with 10/11 sectors in the green. Materials and Energy lead the

way higher. Iron Ore is almost 3% higher in trade on Tuesday, while oil has

squeezed slightly higher after dipping on Monday.

- In China the Shanghai Comp is up 18 points at 3825, in Hong Kong the Hang Seng

is up 255 points at 29305. The Hang Seng is up for a second successive day with

the Tech sector leading the gains.