Nikkei: 9,768.08 (+177.15) Hang Seng: 24,396.07 (+114.27) Shanghai Comp: 3,030.10 (+22.19): ASIAN STOCKS advanced yesterday, driving the regional benchmark index to its highest level since last month's earthquake, on speculation that engineering companies may benefit from efforts to rebuild the country.

Hyundai Heavy Industries, the South Korean shipbuilder that also supplies industrial machinery and construction equipment, climbed 3.6 per cent in Seoul.

Toyota Motor, the world’s largest car maker, gained 1.4 per cent in Tokyo after saying it will resume output at its factories in Japan on April 18th after halting production following the March 11th earthquake.

Fast Retailing, the operator of the Uniqlo casual-clothing chain, rose 7.3 per cent to 11,940 yen.

Cnooc climbed 1.5 per cent to HK$21 in Hong Kong. Woodside Petroleum, Australia’s second-biggest oil and gas producer, increased 0.7 per cent to A$47.26. Rival Santos gained 0.6 per cent to A$16.28.

SK Holdings, the parent of oil refiner SK Innovation, surged 12 per cent to 178,000 won.

Singapore Exchange gained 2.6 per cent to S$8.36. – (Bloomberg)