Asian markets mostly higher on positive global cues

Asian markets were mostly higher today, encouraged by a higher close on Wall Street after a long holiday weekend. Hong Kong shares raced to a record high in early trading, but Japanese stocks gave up early gains to retreat on losses in financials such as Sompo Japan Insurance and Mizuho Financial Group.
Japan's Nikkei was down 0.07% or 11.92 points at 16,408.55. Hong Kong's Hang Seng surged 1.30% or 310.60 points at 24,196.67. Taiwan's Taiwan Weighted gained 0.38% or 33.74 points at 8,956.72. Singapore's Straits Times rose 0.61%or 20.56 points at 3,396.62. South Korea's Seoul Composite advanced 0.18% or 3.37 points at 1,878.11.