Asia markets rose as hopes of progress between US - China rise

Asian markets gained in today's trading session, with major stock indices in Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong trading upwards.

Japan's Nikkei 225 is up 1.03%, while Topix is ​​up 0.82%. In South Korea, Kospi posted a 1.03% gain, with Samsung's shares gaining 1.05%. The tech giant announced its guidance for the third quarter, commenting that operating profits for the period ending in September are expected to fall by half compared to a year ago but still be above Wall Street's analysis.

Chinese markets are back after a long break: Shanghai composite jumped 0.54% and Shenzhen composite added 0.85%.

Investors are heavily focused on US-China trade talks and ongoing discussions about Brexit in what is usually a quiet week from economic news. The market continues to discuss the level of relief required by the Federal Reserve following the recent decline in unemployment.

High-level trade talks between the two largest economies in the world are set to begin on Thursday, but Chinese officials appear hesitant to continue a wide-ranging trade deal with the US, according to reports. Deputy trade negotiators on both sides also launched a new round of talks Monday aimed at ending the protracted trade war.

But new developments this week could potentially complicate negotiations: The US Department of Commerce on Monday added 28 Chinese companies and public safety bureaus to its so-called blacklist of companies, which limits their ability to do business with US companies. Many of the names added include Chinese technology companies such as SenseTime Group, CCTV Hangzhou Hikvision and Shenzhen, listed by Zhejiang Dahua Technology, and IFLYTEK.

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