Asian shares higher

Asian markets rose on Tuesday, following a strong lead from Wall Street as investors await the release of key US data later in the week. Tokyo jumped 1.48 percent, Hong Kong added 0.32 percent, Sydney was flat, Shanghai gained 0.10 percent and Seoul was 0.72 percent higher. With few catalysts to drive business, attention has turned to the US economy figures, including gross domestic product growth on Friday. This week will also see the release of February consumer confidence, durable goods orders and initial jobless claims. The results will be closely watched as they will give the clearest snapshot of economic health this year, with previous releases skewed by severe winter weather at the end of last year and the start of this one, according to AFP.