Asia stocks mostly rise

Asia shares were mostly higher Monday, as investors brushed off weak Chinese manufacturing data and bought up technology stocks in Japan. Hong Kong's Hang Seng 0011.HK -0.31% Index was up 0.04% at 24752.09, despite signs that economic growth in Asia's largest economy may have softened again after a modest pickup earlier in the year. China's official Purchasing Managers' Index for August fell to 51.1 from a 27-month high of 51.7 in July. HSBC reported that its final reading on manufacturing activity for August fell to 50.2 from an 18-month high of 51.7 in July. Investors in mainland shares likewise overlooked the weak data, anticipating the possibility of further reform measures from Beijing, including in the defense sector, where President Xi Jinping has called for more innovation. ‘Beijing may continue to roll out more measures to support the economy, but in a restrained manner,’ said Central China Securities 1375.HK +0.83% analyst Zhang Gang, according to wsj.com