Asia's leading stock exchanges started the week's second trading day on a fairly good mood in a situation where many investors hope that Donald Trump will soften his tariffs on cars.
In Tokyo, the important Nikkei 225 had increased by 0.4 percent at lunchtime, while the broader Topix index grew by 0.9 percent.
Hong Kong hummed along in the same tone when the Hang Seng added 0.4.
It was also cheerful in South Korea, where the Kospi index gained 0.8.
In Shanghai, however, it was difficult to make up one's mind, and the composite index therefore fluctuated around zero. Shenzhen's composite index, with its plus 0.3 percent, took a cautious step upwards.
