Asia Stocks Poised to Rise on Benign US Inflation Report

Asian stocks are poised for gains on Thursday after the US inflation report matched expectations. The benign reading eased concerns about imminent Federal Reserve rate increases, which had been weighing on markets.

The latest data showed that the US inflation rate was in line with forecasts, a development that is seen as positive for equities. Equity-index futures for Japan and South Korea are advancing, putting a broader regional gauge on track for a second day of gains.

Nasdaq 100 contracts slipped in early Asian trading after Cisco Systems Inc.'s earnings failed to impress. However, this was not enough to offset the overall positive tone of the market.