Asian stocks open in positive

Asian stocks may extend their best annual rally in 16 years, with a regional index poised to gain 20% in 2010 as foreign fund flows into the region`s equities increase, BNP Paribas said.

Japanese benchmark index Nikkei 225 rose 225.49 points, or 2.48%, to trade at 9,307.01.

Hong Kong`s Hang Seng is rose 553.19 points, or 2.62%, at 21,687.69.

China`s Shanghai Composite increased 72.84 points, or 0.99% to trade at 7,432.88.

Taiwan`s Taiex index was rose 90.47 points, or 1.21%, to trade at 7,581.38.

South Korea`s Kospi index increased 38.26 points, or 2.51% to trade at 1,562.76.

Singapore`s Straits Times index declined 7.37 points, or to 0.27% trade at 2,754.85. (7.42 a.m., IST)