Thu, 27 Dec 2012 09:34:35 GMT
Asian stocks rise before U.S. fiscal cliff talks resume
Asian stocks rose on caution as U.S. officials were ready to resume talks on how to avoid spending cuts and tax increases. The MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific stocks excluding Japan rose 0.3%, with Australian stocks gaining also 0.3%. Hong Kong shares climbed 0.4% to near the highest level in 17 months, while Shanghai steadied after rising to the highest