China (BBN)-Asian shares opened higher in thin trade due to the Lunar New Year holidays, which closed some of the region’s major markets.
But share gains were limited as investors remained cautious over over a potential GreekGreece’s debt deal with talks continuing later in the day, reports BBC.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 was up 0.8% to 18,136.68, boosted by Wall Street’s record close and a weaker yen.
The dollar was at 119.21 yen, after hitting a low of 118.235 overnight.
Investors are awaiting the end of the two-day Bank of Japan policy meeting later on Wednesday for confirmation that the central bank will maintain its massive stimulus spending spree to boost the economy.
Mainland Chinese markets are closed for the holidays and will reopen on 24 February.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index will open for a half day of trade on Wednesday before closing until 23 February.
In Australia, shares headed higher with investors focusing on a flurry of company earnings.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.5% to 5,888.6 points.
Shares of Toll Holdings, which is Australia’s largest freight and logistics firm, skyrocketed 47% in Sydney after it agreed to a $5.1bn takeover bid by state-owned Japan Post.
The acquisition will help Japan Post, which plans to list this year, become a leading global logistics player.
South Korean markets are also closed and will reopen on Monday.
BBN/SK/AD-18Feb15-11:20am (BST)
