This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33605085

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Japanese stocks lead regional gains Japanese shares trade higher after holiday break
(34 minutes later)
Asian shares edged higher on Tuesday with Japan leading the region's gains as trading resumed after a long weekend. Japanese shares rose on Tuesday amid gains on other Asian markets, with only Shanghai bucking the trend.
The Nikkei 225 was up by 0.6% at 20,768.3 points in early trade. The Nikkei 225 was up by 0.5% at 20,749 points as trading in Tokyo resumed after a long weekend.
Attention focused on Toshiba after it said on Monday that a probe had found profits were massively overstated for years.Attention focused on Toshiba after it said on Monday that a probe had found profits were massively overstated for years.
Nevertheless, investors appeared to have a positive outlook on the company as shares rose by 3.5%. Nevertheless, investors appeared to have a positive outlook on the company as shares rose by 2.7%.
In a statement to investors, Toshiba said its operating profits had been inflated by 151.8bn yen ($1.22bn, £780m).In a statement to investors, Toshiba said its operating profits had been inflated by 151.8bn yen ($1.22bn, £780m).
The improper accounting practices dated back to 2008 and the probe could lead to a restatement of profits, an overhaul of the board, or potential action by regulators.The improper accounting practices dated back to 2008 and the probe could lead to a restatement of profits, an overhaul of the board, or potential action by regulators.
Toshiba said a full report into the accounting scandal will be released later on Tuesday.Toshiba said a full report into the accounting scandal will be released later on Tuesday.
Inflation optimismInflation optimism
Japanese investors were also able to take some positive impulse from the minutes of the Bank of Japan's last meeting.Japanese investors were also able to take some positive impulse from the minutes of the Bank of Japan's last meeting.
The notes show the central bank's board members were optimistic about the inflation trend continuing, confirming the central bank's stimulus efforts. The notes show most central bank's board members were optimistic about the inflation trend continuing, confirming the central bank's stimulus efforts.
Meanwhile, South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was trading 0.6% higher at 2,085.9. Meanwhile, South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was trading 0.5% higher at 2,082.96.
In Australia, the continued slump in commodity prices weighed on investor confidence and the ASX 200 index opened flat at 5,688.5 points. In Australia, the continued slump in commodity prices weighed on investor confidence and the ASX 200 index was flat at 5,694.70 points.
After falling to a five-year low on Monday, gold prices firmed up, with the precious metal edged up 0.2% to $1,099.05 an ounce. After falling to a five-year low on Monday, gold prices firmed up slightly though, with the precious metal edging up 0.2% to $1,099.05 an ounce.
In China, investors were less upbeat with the Shanghai Composite opening down 1% at 3,953 points, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng was flat at 25,413 points.