A stronger yen will likely be a drag on Japanese markets, a senior strategist at Okasan Securities in Tokyo said Thursday.
Twelve of China's banks support the payment system so far, with seven more expected to join.
But China's economic slowdown remained a factor that could put downward pressure on stock prices, one fund manager said.
The operation to find the missing Malaysia Airlines plane has entered its final phase, and is set to be called off in June, with no significant clues so far.
Shares rose in Japan after a government report predicted companies would order more machinery this quarter than last.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's visit to China comes as the country weighs in on whether to join the U.S. in patrols in the disputed South China Sea.
The project, in development since mid-2011, aims to provide internet access to remote regions of the world through a ring of helium-filled balloons.
Other factors included a stronger yuan, speculation on more Japan stimulus and the European Central Bank's vow to fight deflation.
Japan GDP fell more than expected in the fourth quarter. Most Asian stock markets rose in early Monday trading.
The deaths are reportedly the first in the country from the mosquito-borne virus linked to brain deformities in babies.
"The markets are clearly starting to price-in a sharp slowdown in the world economy," a chief strategist at Mizuho Asset Management said.
In 2015, the U.K.-based mining company slid to a net loss of $866 million after earning $6.53 billion in profits a year earlier.
The region's markets responded to comments from the U.S. Fed chair, which included concerns about China's economic slowdown.
The deep-tow sonar vehicle is being examined for damage and could soon return to the Fugro Discovery.
Customers who had a Visa card in their Apple Wallet prior to the disruption are unaffected.
The Great Attractor region is pulling the Milky Way and other galaxies toward it at an incredible speed.
A group reportedly affiliated to the collective Anonymous claimed the hack that suspended several websites early Wednesday.
Japan government bond yields turned negative on Tuesday, underscoring risk aversion, following drops in U.S. stocks.
Stocks slumped in Japan and Australia early Tuesday while markets elsewhere in the region remained closed for Lunar New Year.
The steep decline in oil prices has investors wondering how the U.S. Federal Reserve will proceed with its next monetary policy move.
In case you didn't know, today is the day the world celebrates the delicious hazelnut-chocolatey spread.
Next week, U.S. scientists and engineers will join Chinese, Dutch and Australian investigators in seeking the remains of a Malaysian passenger jet.
