BANGKOK (AP) - Asian stock markets were mostly higher Thursday, supported by Congress averting a U.S. government default and a pickup in China's manufacturing in January.

HSBC Bank said its China manufacturing index rose to a two-year high of 51.9 in January from 51.5 in December. A reading above 50 indicates expansion on a scale of 100.

Japan's Nikkei index reversed course after three days of losses, rising 1 percent.

Benchmark crude oil was up to over $95 per barrel. The dollar was up against the euro and the yen.

 

 

 

 

 

First Coast News