Asian stocks ended mixed on Wednesday with Japan's benchmark index up 2 percent, outperforming its peers, which traded flat despite a positive lead from global equities.
U.S. stocks closed higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 halting a three-session drop, after the U.S. trade deficit narrowed more-than-expected as oil imports fell and exports rose. Attention now turns to Wednesday's release of the ADP Research Institute's corporate payrolls reports and minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting.
Across the Atlantic, European shares rose after inflation data for the euro zone came in lower than expected, increasing the pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) to announce stimulus measures at its policy meeting this week.
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Nikkei up 1.9%
