HONG KONG (AP) - Asian stocks were mostly higher today after encouraging U.S. housing and employment reports sent Wall Street to its highest level this year and added to growing optimism of a recovery in the world's No. 1 economy.
Investors in Asia took heart following solid gains on U.S. markets on Thursday that also pushed away fears that long-running bailout talks for debt-stricken Greece might collapse and result in the country defaulting on its debts next month.
Stocks rose after reports showed unemployment benefit applications dropped for the fourth time in five weeks to a four-year low and a rise in building permits suggested growing confidence about homebuying.
Crude Oil extended gains above $102 a barrel and the dollar strengthened against the euro and yen.
First Coast News