Broad gains in Asia stock exchanges as Seoul Kospi rises 3.0 percent

Several of the leading indices in the region have shown cautious upward movement during the day.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose about 0.5 percent, while the broader Topix climbed 0.4 percent.

Around lunchtime, China's Shanghai Stock Exchange is also up 0.4 percent. However, Shenzhen is down slightly, by 0.2 percent.

The Hong Kong-based Hang Seng is up 0.9 percent.

The stock exchange in Seoul, South Korea, stands out in this context - the Kospi is up a full 3.0 percent at lunchtime.