Economic optimism boosts equities markets across Asia

HONG KONG / SINGAPORE - Asian stocks rose after US consumer confidence beat expectations and as factory output in Japan and South Korea gained, boosting optimism global demand will grow.

Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd, which makes shoes for Nike Inc, gained 1.4 percent in Hong Kong. Hynix Semiconductor Inc, a South Korean chipmaker, gained 1.2 percent, rising for a second day in Seoul.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd, Australia's largest electrical goods retailer, lost 4.2 percent in Sydney after its first-half earnings fell.