Markets in Asia and the Pacific rose on Tuesday.
Asian stocks jumped to a one-month high, with banks extending gains on hopes the struggling global financial system is stabilising, despite reports showing the United States economy is deteriorating further.
The MSCI index of Asia Pacific shares traded outside Japan rose for a third day, gaining 1.75% to a one-month high, with the materials, financial and consumer staples sectors providing the most support.
Japan's Nikkei share average rose 3.2% to its highest close since 9 February amid strong gains in banking shares. The Nikkei gained 244.98 points to end at 7,949.13.
Financial stocks drove Australian shares to a positive close for a third consecutive trading day after gains in financials overseas showed some confidence in the troubled sector was returning.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 103.5 points, or 3.09%, to close at 3,451.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index added 96.1 points, or 2.91%, to 3,393.4.
In New Zealand, the benchmark index was up 20 points, or 0.80%, to 2565 on subdued turnover of $44 million.
