Asian markets buoyed by nuclear plant progress

Asian markets were mostly higher in early trading today, buoyed by news over the weekend that Japan was making progress in its battle to control radiation leaks at a nuclear complex that was severely damaged in the March 11 earthquake.

South Korea’s Kospi index was up 0.9% in early trading to 1,999.15. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 1.3% to 22,584.66. Australia’s S&P ASX 200 was up 0.1% to 4,632.70. Japan’s Nikkei index was closed for a public holiday after a week of dizzying plunges.