Asian markets open positive

Asian markets on Tuesday (Dec. 11, 2007) advanced on speculation that the housing slowdown in the US may ease.
Exporters and financial companies led to the advances.

Japan`s benchmark index Nikkei added 113.62 points, or 0.71%, to trade at 16,038.01.

Hong Kong`s Hang Seng advanced 366.38 points, or 1.29%, to trade at 28,867.48.

China`s Shanghai Composite gained 9.46 points, or 0.18%, to trade at 5,171.38.

Taiwan`s Taiex added 10.82 points, or 0.13%, to trade at 8,608.85.

South Korea`s Kospi added 6.57points, or 0.34%, to trade at 1,912.99.

Singapore`s Straits Times added 10.73 points, or 0.30%, to trade at 3,563.81. (IST 8.25 a.m)