North Korea nuclear test fails to shake Asian markets

Japanese equities have led Asian markets higher as news of a nuclear test by North Korea failed to significantly dampen optimism after a three-day break.

Japan's Nikkei index reversed losses sustained on Friday to close up 1.9% at 11,369 after the country's economic minister said the government would seek to address share prices that remain "too cheap", according to state media. The index eased back from day highs in the late afternoon after news emerged that North Korea had conducted its first nuclear test since 2009, but held on to the majority of its gains. The Nikkei has now risen 9.3% so far this year as investors take heart from policymakers' efforts to kickstart the Japanese economy and stave off deflationary pressures. Overn...