Asia close: Modest bounce for stocks amid geopolitical tensions

(Sharecast News) - Stocks in the Asia Pacific region put in a modest bounce on Tuesday. "The recent risk-off sentiment that had cast a shadow over the markets seems to be easing, partly due to extensive shuttle diplomacy by The Whitehouse and other regional actors," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management.

"Nevertheless, this optimism comes before Israel launches its ground offensive in Gaza, and this development could swiftly sour sentiment once more."

Japan's Nikkei-225 added 1.20% to reach 32,040.29, alongside a 0.31% gain for the Shanghai Stock Exchange's Composite index to 3,083.50.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng meanwhile was up by 0.75% to 17,773.34.

Vietnam's HNX Index was the main exception to the positive tone in the region, giving back 2.72% to 230.03.