Asian stock indices rose due to the positive U.S. economic data, following the U.S. markets. U.S. flash manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 56.2 in May, from 55.4 in April. Analysts had forecasted a gain to 55.6.

Sales of existing homes in the U.S. climbed to 1.3% in April to an annual rate of 4.65 million units, missing expectations of a 2.2% gain to 4.68 million. That was the first increase in 2014.

The Conference Board released its April leading economic index for China. The index increased 0.9% in April, from a 1.2 gain in March.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225                      14,462.17              +124.38        +0.78%

Hang Seng                     22,965.86                +12.10        +0.05%

Shanghai Composite         2,034.57               +13.28         +0.66%