Most stock markets closed in Asia for holidays

An investor looks at the stock price monitor at a private securities company Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, in Shanghai, China. AP FILE PHOTO

BANGKOK — Stock markets in Hong Kong, mainland China and Seoul were among those closed Monday for the Lunar New Year holiday. Japanese markets were also shut for a public holiday.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was marginally higher at 4,973.20, with a positive earnings report from retailer HB Hi-Fi Ltd. helping to boost retail stocks. JB Hi-Fi surged 15.4 percent after reporting its first half net profit had risen 3 percent to 82 million Australian dollars ($84.6 million). David Jones rose 3.6 percent and Myer Holdings added 3.1 percent.

Key stock indexes in the Philippines and Indonesia also rose while markets in Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam were closed for holidays.

Benchmark oil for March delivery rose 5 cents to $95.77 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 11 cents on the Nymex on Friday to close at $95.72 a barrel.

In currencies, the euro rose to $1.3372 from $1.3363 late Friday in New York. The dollar fell to 92.51 from 92.83 yen.