Stock market today: Asian shares are mostly higher in thin post-Christmas holiday trading

Asian shares are mostly higher in thin post-Christmas holiday trading. Oil prices rose. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index surged 0.8% to 39,449.55, on strong gains in retailers and tourism-related stocks after Japan agreed to ease visa conditions for Chinese tourists. Markets were closed in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. U.S. markets were closed on Wednesday and will reopen Thursday, when an update on U.S. unemployment benefits is due. Gains in Big Tech stocks contributed to a “Santa rally” for Tuesday's shortened holiday session. The S&P 500 gained 1.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%.