Asian stocks rise on hopes for US-China trade talks
(World News USA)

BEIJING (AP) - Asian stock markets rose on Thursday on optimism over possible new U.S.-China talks despite rising Middle East tensions. Benchmarks in Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney all climbed. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin suggested last week that trade envoys might meet in person following two rounds of phone conversations, though he gave no timeline. That helped to temper anxiety over U.S.-Iranian tensions. Traders have focused on signs of movement toward a settlement of the U.S.-China tariff war over Beijing`s technology ambitions. They were reassured by an agreement in...