A jump in the Nikkei has led Asian markets higher as Japan looks close to installing a new prime minister, while a reading on US inflation this week is expected to be no more than a speed bump on the way to further rate cuts there.

Data on Monday showed China's economy grew 1.1 per cent in the third quarter, to top forecasts, while industrial output also beat with a rise of 6.5 per cent, which could reinforce Beijing's determination to fight a lengthy trade war with the United States.

But on an annual basis, its 4.8 per cent growth marked the weakest pace in a year.

And, a continued fall in Chinese home prices showed the property sector remained a big drag on the economy, household wealth and spending, with retail sales up a modest 3.0 per cent on the year.

Investors are hoping from mo

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