Asian shares edged higher on Wednesday buoyed by rise in Australian stocks to a three-week high, while the US dollar came off highs as traders digested recent steep gains.

Japans Nikkei 225 rose 194.56 points or 1.91 per cent to 10,378.03.

Hong Kongs Hang Seng was down 18.69 points or 0.09 per cent at 21,073.35.

Singapores Straits Times was up 9.91 points or 0.35 per cent at 2,833.73.

South Koreas Kospi was up 1.24 points or 0.07 per cent at 1,656.78.

Australias S&P/Asx 200 was up 27.5 points or 0.58 per cent at 4,731.70.

Chinas Shanghai Composite was up 14.64 points or 0.48 per cent at 3,065.16.

Taiwans Taiex was up 43.56 points or 0.55 per cent at 7,899.56. Agencies