Asian stocks rise after Wall Street health-care-led rally

Asian shares surged Tuesday after a rally in U.S. stocks, mostly spurred by health care companies’ announcements of developments that could aid in the coronavirus outbreak. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.8 percent in morning trading to 19,243.91. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 2.0 percent to 5,285.50, while South Korea’s Kospi picked up 1.6 percent to 1,743.84. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng stood at 23,517.68, up 1.5 percent and the Shanghai Composite gained 06 percent to 2,764.16. “Despite some respite for markets overnight, uncertainty remains as the spread of the COVID-19 virus continues,” said Zhu Huani at Mizuho Bank, warning against too much optimism. “Central banks and authorities...