Stock market today: Asian shares are mostly higher, tracking a rally on Wall Street

Shares have advanced in Asia after Wall Street resumed its upward climb as an update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve. Chinese shares rose as top leaders met to discuss economic plans for the coming year. On Wednesday, the S&P 500 gained 0.8%, though the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, dipping 0.2%. Big Tech stocks drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% as it topped the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged with a dip of 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that the Fed will deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week.