Cautious rise for Asian stocks

Asian stocks edged higher today, setting aside weaker-than-expected US home sales amid hopes for an agreement on debt relief for Greece and stronger economic growth in the world’s top economy

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose 0.4% to 8,885.09. South Korea’s Kospi added 0.3% to 1,963.82 and Australia’s S&P ASX 200 gained 1% to 4,312.40. Benchmarks in Singapore and New Zealand also rose, while Indonesia fell.