Asian markets rally following China data, eyes on trade talks

A man walking by an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo. Asian stock markets have risen after Chinese factory activity improved ahead of a possible US tariff hike on Chinese imports. - AP

Hong Kong (Dec 2, ANN): Asian markets rose on Monday (Dec 2) as investors cheered data showing a surprise jump in Chinese factory activity, while oil prices bounced from last week's sharp losses after Iraq said top producers could announce a cut in output this week.

But while the week started on a positive note, worries about the trade talks were revived by China's Global Times newspaper saying Beijing wanted all US tariffs rolled back as part of a mini deal, a move observers said Washington is unlikely to agree to.