Asian stocks extend gains

Asian shares extended their gains Wednesday amid upbeat sentiment over the global outlook, as an offer from Japan's finance minister to resign on health grounds failed to ruffle investors.
The Nikkei in Tokyo closed up 0.46 percent at 10,731.45 while Sydney ended flat at 4,925.90 points as optimism about resources stocks was offset by a fall in banking shares.
Hong Kong ended 0.62 percent stronger at 22,416.67.
However, Shanghai shares fell 0.85 percent to 3,254.22 as rising inflationary pressure led to fears Beijing may start monetary tightening measures.
Commodities companies were higher, although a stronger dollar offset crude's recent gains on a severe winter in the northern hemisphere and expectations of further demand growth due to hopes for the global economy.
Singapore stocks rose 0.35 percent to 2,903.49 and Seoul gained 0.87 percent to 1,705.32, helped by the US auto market data.
Taipei added 1.42 percent to 8,327.62, Wellington was 0.10 percent up at 3,271.57 and Manila edged 0.38 percent higher to 3,039.93 while Kuala Lumpur rose 0.38 percent to 1,293.17.
Jakarta was flat at 2,603.29 and Bangkok rose 0.49 percent to 735.73.
Indian shares ended flat on Wednesday in choppy trade, as indices see-sawed on profit-taking and sporadic buying with prices at a 22-month high, dealers said.
The 30-share benchmark Sensex closed up 14.89 points, or 0.08 percent, at 17,701.13.