Stocks: Wednesday’s review

Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index trading less than 1 percent from its highest close for the year, as the yen dropped and Shinzo Abe was approved as Japan’s prime minister after promising to promote more stimulus measures.

Nikkei 225 10,230.36 +150.24 +1.49%

S&P/ASX 200 Closed

Shanghai Composite 2,219.13 +5.52 +0.25%

Nissan Motor Co. , a carmaker that derives almost 80 percent of sales overseas, gained 2.1 percent in Tokyo.

Hitachi Ltd. rose 2.1 percent after its president said the company plans to double its operating margin.

Tradewinds (Malaysia) Bhd., a palm oil and rice producer, jumped 15 percent in Kuala Lumpur after receiving a takeover offer.

European stock markets are closed for the holidays

After Christmas, the index began trading growth, but there remain uncertainties associated with the solution of the "fiscal cliff" returned indices into negative territory.

As reported earlier, President Barack Obama has cut its output due to the need for a possible quick solution to the impending problem. Before Christmas, Obama called the leaders of both parties to take a temporary bill that would allow time for the development and coordination of a comprehensive solution.

External background for the U.S. session was formed in generally favorable - European stock markets mostly continue to rest on the occasion of Christmas, and the Asian indices strengthened on the news of the formation of the new government of Japan. As prime minister was approved by the 58-year-old leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Shinzo Abe, who a few years ago, a seat he held the prime minister. Abe vowed not to spend a second chance and nothing to pull the economy out of the protracted crisis.

DOW index components were mixed. Below are the remaining shares Unitedhealth Group (UNH, -1.15%). Leader was Bank of America (BAC, +2.58%).

Among the sectors S & P showed only minimal growth of the basic materials sector (+0.02%). Maximum loss incurred service sector (-0.9%).

Oilfield services company Weatherford International advanced 2.8% on news that two top managers purchased 30 000 of its shares.

At the close:

Dow 13,114.59 -24.49 -0.19%

Nasdaq 2,990.16 -22.44 -0.74%