Updated on
Summary
Most Asian stocks rose on speculation an interest rate increase in China will help curb inflation in the country and Japanese stocks rose on reports of business alliances. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index gained 0.3 percent to 135.57, with about two stocks gaining for each that fell. China raised interest rates for the second time in just over two months on Dec. 25 after consumer prices jumped the most in 28 months and the government forecast relatively high inflation in the first half of 2011. Japans Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 0.8 percent. South Koreas Kospi Index was little changed. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7 percent. Taiwans Taiex index climbed 0.2 percent.
