Asia markets rose tentatively despite low factory activity in Korea, China and Taiwan
The Nikkei 225 was up .6% to 8,450. The Hang Seng was higher by .2% to 18,434.
In Europe, where investors are awaiting US car sales and GDP, the FTSE 100 was higher by .1% to 5,572. The DAX rose .22% to 5,911.
US market appear ready to open after a 2011 in which both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ failed to advance.
MarketWatch pointed out that VW was up, perhaps based on anticipated better car sales in the US. Its Passat was recently name Motor Trend Car of the Year. VW has also take an aggressive position in America with a new sign and drive program which should appeal to people in the US who find it hard to get car loans.
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