Hong Kong returns to lead most Asian markets higher

HONG KONG (AFP): Most Asian markets rose Thursday (Jan 26) as the majority returned from the Lunar New Year break on an optimistic note, with inflation slowing and central banks hinting at a lighter approach to tackling prices.

Hong Kong led the way again, helped by hopes that China's reopening will fuel a strong recovery this year, while Bloomberg News said travel and box office numbers for the holidays were encouraging.