Yahoo Japan Corporation

Overnight the Wall Street was stronger after the bill overhauling the US healthcare system was passed. Asian stock markets were mostly lower on Monday as Reserve Bank of India unexpectedly increased the official interest rate by 25 basis points. The Indian central bank's move has raised fears of an earlier-than-expected rate hike in China. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 2.05 per cent and South Korea's Kospi was down 0.8 per cent. But Shanghai composite edged 0.2 per cent higher. Japanese markets, which were closed for public holiday yesterday, resume trading on Tuesday.

Most Asian stocks tumbled massively yesterday as the Obama government suggested a bankruptcy for the struggling US car makers. Most major indices in Asia opened higher on Tuesday despite sharp loss on Wall Street, largely due to optimism of the local economy and corporate performance.

Most major Asian indexes ended higher on Monday except for the Japan market. Tokyo stocks hit by the bankruptcy of nonbank lender SFCG dropped 2.8% in early trading and ended 0.5% at the close. South Korea's Kospi jumped 3.2%, China's Shanghai Composite added 2% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index surged 3.8%. This morning the Nikkei average extended its tumble after US stocks sank to a record low since 1997.

Seoul shares rose on Wednesday after a holiday weekend, led by chip makers after German rival Qimonda filed for insolvency. The market is also lifted by overnight gains on Wall Street and big gains in Tokyo shares Tuesday. Japanese stocks gained nearly 5% yesterday as exporters benefited from a weakened yen. Markets that remained closed for the Lunar New Year included Hong Kong, South Korea, China, Singapore and Taiwan.