06:15 AM EST, 11/07/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Asian stock markets traded largely higher Thursday, on gathering hopes for more macroeconomic stimulus from Beijing and after a strong trade report from China.

Hong Kong and Shanghai finished in the green, although Tokyo edged lower. Other regional exchanges mostly gained ground.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher but finished off 0.3%, as traders booked profits after recent gains following the election victory of US presidential aspirant Donald Trump

The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 99.26 to 39.381.41, although gaining issues outnumbered losers 156 to 67.

Leading the upside was railway operator Keio, up 17.7%, while food company Nitori declined 6.6%, with both moves after earnings reports.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened evenly and rose to the close after a strong October exports and imports report from China, and on hopes that Beijing will soon unveil details regarding a large stimulus package.

The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 414.96 to 20,953.34, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 65 to 16. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 2.3% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 4%.

Leading the upside was dining hot-pot chain Haidilao, gaining 9.3%, while BYD Electronics declined 5.6%.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 2.6% % to 3,470.66.

In economic news, China's exports rose 12.7% on year in October, topping outlooks, while imports declined by 2.3% on year, reported the General Administration of Customs on Thursday.

On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI was steady; the Taiwan TWSE inclined 0.8%; the Australian ASX 200 inclined 0.3%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.2%, and the Thai Set inclined 0.2%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 1%.