Asian Markets Open Mixed

(MarketWatch) - Asian markets opened mixed Wednesday after US shares briefly hit their highest level since May 2008, but then fell back as oil prices climbed.

Japan's Nikkei Stock Average rose 0.1 percent to 9,473.15, while Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index declined 0.3 percent to 4,281.10.

Japanese stocks crawled higher in choppy early trade, with retailers and other domestic plays among the stronger performers.

Retailers moved higher, with FamilyMart Co. rising 1.4 percent, Fast Retailing Co. up 0.3 percent and J. Front Retailing Co. ahead by 0.8 percent.

Other shares with a strong domestic focus also gained, with brewer Kirin Holdings Co. up 0.7 percent and advertising giant Dentsu Inc. gaining one percent. Among decliners, Sony Corp. lost 0.8 percent a day before the overseas launch of its PlayStation Vita.

In Sydney, energy firms were outperforming the index, with Woodside Petroleum Ltd. up 0.9 percent, but most other sectors were lower.

Earnings were a focus, with insurance and banking group Suncorp Group Ltd. down 1.2 percent while CSL Ltd. shares rose 1.9 percent after reporting earnings.

On Wall Street, stocks finished mostly higher Tuesday after European officials agreed to another round of aid for Greece.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved briefly above 13,000 for the first time since May 2008 and closed at 12,965.69 -- up 15.82 points, or 0.1 percent.

The S&P 500 Index climbed as high as 1,367.76, just points from 1,370, its May 2011 high. It finished at 1,362.21, up nearly one point, or not quite 0.1 percent, and its highest close since April 29, 2011.

The Nasdaq Composite fell 3.21 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,948.57.

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