Asian stocks open in positive

Asian stocks advanced, as better-than-expected US home sales added to signs the worst of the global recession has passed.

Hong Kong`s Hang Seng index rose 190.95 points, or 1.17%, to trade at 16,572.

China`s Shanghai Composite climbed 13.31 points, or 0.52%, to trade at 2,573.22.

Taiwan`s Taiex index jumped 68.25 points, or 1.08%, to trade at 6,398.65.

Singapore`s Straits Times rose 50.64 points, or 2.50%, to trade at 2,079.35. (7:54 a.m., IST)

Japan and South Korea`s markets are not trading today.