Most major stock market indexes in Asia traded higher on Tuesday as positive sentiment regarding COVID-19 restrictions in China lifted market optimism in the region.
According to China's National Health Commission, the country plans to downgrade its coronavirus level to the less strict Class B category starting from January 8. The health authority also said Beijing will end its quarantine rule for inbound travelers, further unwinding years of strict restrictions.
On the Chinese mainland, Shanghai Composite went up by 0.53% at 3:29 am CET, with Shenzhen Composite rising by 0.50% a minute later. South Korea's Kospi Composite added 0.61% at 3:30 am CET as Japan's Nikkei 225 increased by 0.52%. The dollar went 0.03% down against the yen and sold for 132.8850 at 3:31 am CET.
Markets are closed for holidays in Australia and in Hong Kong.
