Asian shares were higher Wednesday, although the outbreak of a new virus in the region continued to weigh on investor sentiments. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.7% to finish at 23,861.21. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.5% to 7,088.20. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 1.1% to 27,875.56, while the Shanghai Composite rose 0.9% to 2,926.90, AP reported. Benchmark crude oil added 62 cents to $50.56 a barrel. It rose 37 cents to settle at $49.94 a barrel. Brent crude oil, the international standard, gained 94 cents to $54.95 a barrel. The dollar was little changed at 109.86 Japanese yen compared to 109.85 yen on Tuesday. The euro weakened to $1.0905 from $1.0914.
