Asian Stock Markets Gain

HONG KONG (AP) -- A rash of better-than-expected earnings reports from major U.S. companies sent Asian stock markets to fains today.

A number of major markets were up nearly 1 percent, following gains in the U.S. after Wall Street touched new highs for 2009.

Helping lead the region higher were shares in technology companies after Apple Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc. released quarterly reports that topped most analyst forecasts.

The results, along with earnings reports from other large U.S. companies, helped alleviate worries for now that expectations for the economy were unreasonably high.

An analyst says Asian markets, already among this year's best performers, have been pushing higher as the weakening dollar and immense liquidity leads foreign investors to channel funds into the region.

U.S. stock futures inched up, suggesting a positive open on Wall Street.

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