India, Jan. 20 -- Asian stock markets are higher on Monday following the gains on Wall Street Friday amid optimism about U.S.-China trade talks and the surge in crude oil prices to a near two-month high on Friday. Nevertheless, investors are cautious as they digest a raft of economic data from China, including full-year 2018 GDP data showing China's weakest annual economic growth in 28 years. However, the data was in line with expectations.
In addition, China's industrial production and retail sales in December beat expectations, while fixed asset investment missed forecasts.
The Australian market is extending its winning streak to a fifth day amid renewed optimism about U.S.-China trade talks and the surge in crude oil prices.
The bench...