Asian Market Update

Asia markets were mostly on the front foot on Tuesday as speculation swirled that the European Central Bank will embark on a huge stimulus programme, while China prepared to unveil economic growth data for 2014.

The euro retreated after a minor rally on Monday as traders also nervously awaited an election in Greece that some fear could lead to the country exiting the eurozone.

Tokyo shares jumped 1.02 per cent, Hong Kong added 0.25 per cent and Seoul put on 0.49 per cent but Sydney dipped 0.22 per cent. Shanghai rallied 1.10 per cent a day after slumping 7.7 per cent in Monday in response to an official crackdown on margin trading, while Hong Kong gained 0.25 per cent.