Asian markets end higher on Tuesday

Asian markets ended higher on Tuesday as a combination of stabilizing Chinese markets, rebounding oil prices and solid US consumption data prompted investors to look for bargains after last week's rout. Chinese shares ended higher, helped by a surge in China’s bank lending to a record high and comments from China's premier, who hinted of fresh stimulus if the economy slowed further. China's bank lending surged to a record 2.51 trillion yuan ($385 billion) in January from 597.8 billion yuan recorded in December amid soaring demand for mortgages. Hong Kong shares extended gains, led by energy stocks as sentiment improved on the back of higher oil prices and rebounding European and Chinese equities. Japanese stocks rose slightly in choppy trade as weaker yen and firmer oil prices.