Asian markets open mix, Nikkei advances by 2%

A mix trend prevails in early Asian markets as the oil price bounce provided some movement.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index was 2.56% higher at 17,136.34, while the Topix index was up 2.58% at 1,395.36.

In China, the Shanghai Composite index fell 0.19% to 2,744.43. This comes after hitting 2,743.84 in the Tuesday session, the lowest level since December 2014.

CSI 300 index bucked the trend up 0.05% to 2,942.03.

Moreover, Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index increased 1.72% to 19,180.98.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index was 0.33% higher at 6,162.36, while South Korea's benchmark Kospi index started the day 1.20% lower at 1,894.12.

Australia S&P/ASX 200 index benchmark opened 0.72% lower at 4,970.50.