Asia stocks rise as investors look ahead to week's data

BEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets rose Monday as investors looked ahead for data they hope will support optimism about a global economic recovery.

Benchmarks in Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Australia all advanced.

Markets followed Wall Street higher last week after unexpectedly strong U.S. jobs data despite some American states reporting record new coronavirus infections. U.S. markets were closed Friday for a holiday.

“The battle between the Covid-19 drag and improving economic conditions continues,” said Jingyi Pan of IG in a report.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 3.9% to 3,274.62 while the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo gained 1.4% to 22,612.72. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong added 2.5% to 26,006.60.

The Kospi in Seoul rose 1.3% to 2,180.70 and Sydney's S&P-ASX 200 advanced 0.2% to 6,070.10. New Zealand, Singapore and Jakarta also gained.

This week, investors are looking ahead to interest rate decisions in Australia and Malaysia. The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep its benchmark rate at a record low of 0.25% while forecasters expect another cut from Bank Negara Malaysia.

Markets also are watching an election in Singapore and possible unrest in Hong Kong over a security law.

Share prices have risen as some countries ease anti-virus measures and reopened businesses, but forecasters warn the surge might be too early to be sustained by uncertain economic conditions.

Whether the rally can be sustained “is hugely dependent on how markets react if improving data stabilizes or goes into reverse,” said Stephen Innes of AxiCorp in a report.

On Wall Street, the benchmark S&P 500 index ended a shortened four-day trading week up 4%.

The Nasdaq composite climbed 0.5% to a new record. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4%.

That is despite a surge in...