Global Markets Today, Sept. 16 -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 crossed the 45,000 level for the first time on Monday, leading gains across Asian markets after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that trade talks with China in Spain were making positive progress.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold discussions on Friday to finalize terms.

Japan's Topix index rose 0.29 per cent to a new record to 3,172.33, while South Korea's Kospi advanced 0.63 per cent and the Kosdaq remained flat. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.26 per cent.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was poised for a higher open, with futures at 26,523 compared to the previous close of 26,446.56.

(This is a developing story)

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