Asian markets mostly in positive territory (AP) (06-05-2009)

HONG KONG (AP) -- Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday but remained in positive territory while investors were waiting for the U.S. government's reports on bank health.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index edged up 35.32 points, or 0.2 percent, to 16,465.40, but South Korea's Kospi lost 0.3 percent to 1,393.45. Japan's financial markets, closed since Monday, will reopen Thursday.

Taiwan's market remained strong, rising 2.9 percent amid continued investor optimism over prospects for increased investment from China after the signing of a financial cooperation agreement last week. China's Shanghai benchmark was up 0.6 percent.

Elsewhere, Australia's stock measure lost 0.6 percent and India's Sensex fell 0.4 percent.

The Wall Street Journal said early Wednesday that Bank of America's capital shortfall stands at about $35 billion, which would make it potentially the bank with the largest capital needs.

Oil prices were little changed after U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said he expected the economy to start growing again this year. Benchmark crude for June delivery was down 5 cents to $53.79 a barrel.

In currencies, the dollar slipped to 98.10 yen from 98.79 yen. The euro was flat at $1.3295.

Source: AP