TOKYO — Shares were mostly higher in Asia on Thursday with many world markets closed for Christmas holidays. Japan's Nikkei 225 index advanced 0.6% to 23,924.92, while the Kospi in South Korea edged 0.1% higher to 2,191.71. Markets were closed in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia. World markets have rallied after President Donald Trump said that a trade deal with China was ready for signing. “Despite recession worries, trade tiffs, and rancorous politics, investors managed to have their Christmas cake and eat it this year," Stephen Innes of AxiTrader said in a commentary.

Source: International New York Times December 26, 2019 04:30 UTC