Market Report - Apple Lifts Asia

In today’s market report… Asian technology shares jumped, after Apple's earnings beat market expectations and its stock hit a new peak.

Record iPhone sales helped to send Apple shares higher in after-hours trading, prompting buying of chip-related firm such as Tokyo Electron and Elpida.

Nissan gained despite halting some production Wednesday at two Japanese factories due to a European supply line disruption caused by volcanic ash from Iceland.

Chip giants Samsung and Hynix Semiconductor climbed ahead of their results, which boosted Seoul's KOSPI index.

In Taiwan, the benchmark index rose as top electronics parts maker Hon Hai advanced.

Australian shares edged up, although miner BHP Billiton ran in place after revealing it had uncovered possible violations of anti-graft laws.

No.4 lender ANZ Bank gained amid speculation it may buy Lone Star's $4 billion controlling stake in Korea Exchange Bank.