"Asia Markets Surge as Investors Anticipate US Inflation Data"

Asian markets opened higher as investors await the release of the US consumer inflation report, which will set the tone for the Federal Reserve's final meeting of the year. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 rose 0.5%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.1%. Chinese leaders are holding an annual economic conference, and the S&P 500 closed at its highest level in 20 months. Cigna surged after announcing a $10 billion stock buyback, and Macy's jumped following reports of a bid to take the retailer private. Analysts expect the inflation report to show a continued slowdown, and Wall Street predicts the Fed will keep interest rates steady.