Asia stocks advance amid mixed data
 

Asian shares rose Monday, buoyed by lingering optimism over Europe�s bank plans and subsequent U.S. gains, with mixed economic data influencing some markets.

Japan�s Nikkei Stock Average JP:100000018 +0.35% traded 0.3% higher, though off an opening gain of more than 1%.

South Korea�s Kospi KR:SEU +0.21% rose 0.2%, while Australia�s S&P/ASX 200 index AU:XJO +0.93% helped lead regional gains with a 1% rally.