Asian stock markets closed january 3 2012

Asian stock markets closed january 3 2012 : Asian stock markets closed up Tuesday as signs of a pick-up in China's manufacturing activity boosted sentiment across the region, with resource stocks outperforming in Hong Kong and Sydney, while exporters led the Seoul market sharply higher.

Investors were encouraged by China's official Purchasing Managers Index, which rose to 50.3 in December, representing a return to expansionary territory after dipping below 50 in November, data released Sunday showed

South Korea's Kospi Composite climbed 2.5%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index added 2.1% and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.2%. Markets in Japan and China were shut for holidays.

In foreign exchange markets, the euro gained slightly against the dollar and by 0835 GMT, was trading at $1.2983, from $1.2936 late Monday in New York. Meanwhile, the dollar was fetching Y76.80, from Y76.90.

Among commodities, spot gold was at $1,587.90 a troy ounce, up $21.50 from late Friday in New York. February Nymex crude oil futures were up $1.70 at $100.53 a barrel and February Brent oil futures were up $1.61 at $108.99. The March bund contract was down seven ticks at 138.12. For the latest updates on the stock market, visit Stock Market Today For the latest updates PRESS CTR + D or visit Stock Market news Today

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