Asian Stocks seen supported by data, upbeat OECD

Asian stocks may nudge up on Thursday after some positive U.S. economic data, though a mixed showing on Wall Street is likely to induce caution after the Federal Reserve reiterated concerns about the economic outlook.

The markets drew little comfort Wednesday from the fate of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 23.05, or 0.28%, to 8,229.86, while the S&P 500 added 5.84, or 0.65%, to 900.94. The Nasdaq rose 27.42, or 1.55%, to 1,792.34.

On a brighter note, U.S. data showed an unexpected rise in orders for durable manufactured goods, while an OECD report said prospects for an economic recovery in 2010 have improved.

British and European stocks posted solid gains on stronger financial and mining stocks, after the biggest-ever liquidity injection for banks from the European Central Bank.

Japanese shares are set to nudge up, with Nikkei futures traded in Chicago <2nkc1> about 95 points above the last closing level in Osaka .

The U.S. dollar gained after the Fed decision, and also on rumours the Swiss central bank intervened to lower the value of the Swiss franc .

Crude oil prices fell on the dollar's gains and rising U.S. product stocks.