Asian stock indices increased following gains on Wall Street. The Dow and S&P 500 closed at all-time highs on Tuesday. That are signs that the U.S. economy is improving.

Stock markets were supported by yesterday's strong ISM manufacturing purchase managers' index from the U.S. and Chinese manufacturing purchase managers' index. ISM manufacturing PMI in the U.S. decreased to 55.3 in June from 55.4 in May, missing expectations for a rise to 55.6.

The Chinese manufacturing purchase managers' index increased to 51.0 in June from 50.8 in May, in line with expectations. This is a sign of a recovery in the world's second largest economy.

The monetary base in Japan climbed42.6% in June, missing expectations for a 48.3% increase, after a 45.6% rise in May.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,369.97 +43.77 +0.29%

Hang Seng 23,549.62 +358.90 +1.55%

Shanghai Composite 2,059.42 +9.04 +0.44%