Strong exporter earnings outlook bolsters equities

Nikkei: 8,772.36 (+132.36) Hang Seng: 19,752.48 (+285.69) Shanghai Comp: 2,615.26 (+74

Nikkei: 8,772.36 (+132.36) Hang Seng: 19,752.48 (+285.69) Shanghai Comp: 2,615.26 (+74.71)ASIAN STOCKS rose yesterday after US reports on durable-goods orders and home prices beat economists' estimates, easing concern that the world's biggest economy is slowing and boosting the earnings outlook for exporters.

“The latest US data shows it’s not all doom and gloom,” said Tim Schroeders, who helps manage $1 billion in equities at Pengana Capital in Melbourne.

Toyota, which gets 28 per cent of sales from North America, rose 1.7 per cent to ¥2,764 in Tokyo.

James Hardie jumped 3.2 per cent to A$5.79 in Sydney.

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Li Fung, a supplier of toys and clothes to US retailers including Wal-Mart, rose 2.1 per cent to HK$13.36 in Hong Kong.

China Unicom, the nation’s second-largest mobile phone company, surged 12 per cent to HK$15.38.

Cnooc, China’s oil explorer, climbed 3 per cent to HK$14.64.

Samsung Electronics, Apple’s biggest competitor in smartphones and tablet computers, climbed 2.4 per cent to 725,000 won in Seoul.

LG Electronics, the world’s fourth-largest mobile phone maker by sales, added 1.3 per cent to 55,700 won. – (Bloomberg)