Asian markets rise on improving China data

Asian markets have risen after data released by the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics showed a number of bright spots for the country's economy.

China's retail sales rose by 13.4% in August from a year earlier, beating expectations. Meanwhile, industrial production gained 10.4% last month compared to the previous year, suggesting China's economy is set for an uplift. The Hang Seng index was up 0.54% this morning at 22,861 points, a 110 basis point rise. In Japan, the Nikkei closed up 1.54% higher at 14,423. Elsewhere in Asia, the Thai baht, the Indian rupee and Malaysian ringgit all climbed yesterday. The strengthening in Asian markets was reflected by the MSCI Emerging Markets index, which rose to added 1% to stand at 9...