DHAKA: Japanese stocks have risen on bets the government will unveil a stimulus package that could be double the size initially expected.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is looking to compile a package of at least 20 trillion yen ($186bn) according to the Kyodo News agency, reports the BBC.

The world’s third-largest economy is still trying to emerge from deflation.

Both the benchmark Nikkei 225 closed trading 0.8% higher at 16,810.22.

In the currency market, the Japanese yen fell to a six-week low against the US dollar.

Over in Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 finished 0.4% up at 5,512.40 points.

South Korea’s Kospi wrapped the day flat at 2,012.22 points.

In China, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.5% to close at 22,000.49 while the mainland Shanghai Composite ended 0.4% higher at 3,039.01.

BDST: 2212 HRS, JUL 21, 2016
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