The stock market indexes in Asia and Pacific region rose, led by energy and financial companies for second consecutive day. They helped the regional MSCI Asia Pacific index to reach its highest level in three months, while the main stock measure in India – BSE Sensex 30 rose to peak for the last two and a half years. MSCI Asia Pacific, which includes almost 1000 stock companies from ten Asian countries plus Australia and New Zealand moves to increase by 0.5 percent to 121.33 points and is on track to finish today’s session at its highest level 5 May onwards. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.3 percent to 9 694.01 points and was best performing among all regional indexes. The main Indian stock indicator BSE Sensex 30 rose by 0.2% to 18 103.04 points, led by shares in the banking sector, led by ICICI Bank, which yesterday announced a 17% increase in profit for the second quarter and 15 percent expected growth lending. BSE Sensex 30 rose by 3.6 percent this year and is near its highest level since February 2008. In Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose by 0.2% to 21 457.66 points, also supported primarily by financial shares because of good financial results in two of the largest European banks – HSBC and BNP Raribas announced Monday. Indices in Taiwan, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand also rose, as their lead was reduced in the range of 1%.
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