Asian markets rise as China data provides hope but euro struggles [Video]

Equities rose across Asia on Monday following another record day on Wall Street, with traders also cheered by data suggesting China’s economic malaise is showing signs of easing.

The positive start to the week was not felt in the euro, however, as a budget standoff in France fuelled concerns about the fragile government of the eurozone’s second-biggest economy.

Traders began the month on the front foot after a rollercoaster ride since Donald Trump’s re-election and warning that he will hit China, Canada and Mexico with hefty tariffs.

They took their cue from New York, where the Dow and S&P 500 both ended at record highs in a holiday-shortened session.

Hong Kong and Shanghai were among the best performers after data showed Chinese manufacturing activity expanded at a faster clip than expected in November.

The purchasing managers index figures provided some hope that the world’s number-two economy was turning a corner …