Asian markets trade higher in early deals on Monday

Asian equity benchmarks are trading up in the early deals on Monday as worries about Deutsche Bank eased following media reports that the German lender's hefty US fine could be reduced by more than half. Meanwhile, crude oil futures declined in Asian trades after rising on Friday. Japanese shares rose, following a global stocks rally, as concern over Deutsche Bank AG’s financial troubles receded on speculation the German lender’s settlement with US authorities will be smaller than expected. Investors also digested the Bank of Japan's quarterly Tankan survey, which showed that confidence at big Japanese manufacturers held steady in September, compared to three months earlier. Among the other Asian markets, Korean and Malaysian markets were shut for holidays, while Chinese markets were shut for the weeklong National Day holiday.

Nikkei 225 gained 159.38 points or 0.97% to 16,609.22, Hang Seng added 289.07 points or 1.24% to 23,586.22, Jakarta Composite rose 56.93 points or 1.06% to 5,421.74, Straits Times jumped 1.92 points or 0.07% to 2,871.39, and Taiwan Weighted was up by 68.85 points or 0.75% to 9,235.70.