Tokyo — Asian stocks were higher on Wednesday, supported by strong Wall Street earnings and the hope that China’s government spending would boost growth but trade tension remains in focus ahead of a meeting between the US and European commission presidents. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.2%. The index extended the previous day’s gains made after China said it would adopt a more vigorous fiscal policy to cushion the impact of external uncertainties. The Shanghai Composite index was little changed after brushing a one-month high. It has advanced about 3% so far this week. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 0.6%. South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.15% and Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.5%. Overnight on Wall Street, the S&P 500 closed at its highest level since February 1 as Alphabet’s blowout results bolstered the expectation of a robust earnings season. "Gains by US shares are providing support for equities, as well as China’s stimulus plan. Corporate earnings will cont...
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