TOKYO — Asian markets were mostly higher in early trade Thursday, as a strong showing on Wall Street provided a boost even as attention remained fixed on the standoff on the Korean peninsula.Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average rose 0.3 percent to 10,064.82, while the Australian S&P/ASX was up 0.3 percent at 4,600. Shares in Shanghai, Taiwan and Singapore were also higher.The South Korean Kospi was down 0.3 percent at 1,919.55.Tuesday's exchange of artillery fire between North and South Korea remained the focus in Asia, as world leaders condemned North Korea's shelling of a populated island and President Barack Obama reaffirmed America's tight military alliance with Seoul.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)