Shares are higher in Asia in an upbeat start to the new year

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian markets began the new year Friday with gains, while U.S. futures and oil prices also advanced.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 2.2% to 26,189.79 on a strong rally in tech shares.

E-commerce giant Alibaba climbed 3.2% and search engine and technology company Baidu jumped 7.5% after it said it plans to spin off its artificial intelligence computer chip unit Kunlunxin, which would list shares in Hong Kong early 2027. The plan is subject to regulatory approvals.

Markets were still closed in Tokyo...