Asian currencies firm, equities advance as risk sentiment improves

ASIAN currencies strengthened against a subdued dollar and equities advanced on Tuesday as risk appetite got a boost from an upbeat start of corporate earning season in the United States and a reversal in the United Kingdom's financial policy.

The U.S. dollar too took a breather from its recent rally with the index sagging to near a 1-1/2-week low, boosting regional currencies.