Market Report - Asia Markets Mixed

ZHANG:
Asia stocks were mixed on Tuesday with investors stepping in to snap up bargains after several weak trading sessions.

Japan's Nikkei rose 0.2 percent, (14,529) after dipping into negative territory earlier in the day.

Big household names such as Sony gained ground after several days of sharp losses.

Carmaker Nissan rose despite news that domestic sales of larger vehicles fell to a 35-year low due to surging fuel costs and a declining birth
rate.

Hong Kong stocks also rebounded after several days of losses. But in the end, the Hang Seng inched downward to close a quarter of a percent lower.

Markets were more upbeat in Taiwan, where the TAIEX gained one percent after falling to two-week lows yesterday. The tech-heavy bourse fell on Monday in response to a sell-off on Wall Street over recession fears.

Overall, resource shares were among the top gainers thanks to a rebound in world oil prices.

Property stocks in the region also regained some lost ground with investors betting the U.S. will cut interest rates to help boost a weak economy.