SYDNEY: Australian stocks opened 0.68 percent higher on Wednesday as the market awaited fourth quarter inflation data, analysts said.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rose 28.6 points in early trade to 4,253.1 while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 0.60 percent to 4,312.1.
IG Markets' Stan Shamu said the market continued to be wary with no resolution to cash-strapped Greece's efforts to get a debt writedown from the private sector.
But it was also focusing on domestic fourth quarter inflation data due out later Wednesday, which could help make the case for a February interest rate cut.
"The retailers are likely to be in focus following the data," he said, adding that "the strong recovery in risk assets could see the ASX 200 extend its gains".
In Wellington, the benchmark NZX 50 was down 2.88 points, or 0.9 percent, at 3,265.28 early on, with Air New Zealand weighing on the market after the airline reportedly ruled out major changes to its loss-making London route.
Financial markets in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei remain closed Wednesday for the Lunar New Year holidays.
The Australian dollar was fetching 104.84 US cents early in the session, down slightly from 104.97 on Tuesday.
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