HONG KONG (AP) — International stock markets mostly rose today on investor optimism about the U.S. economy, hints from China about further stimulus and weakness in the yen.

Trading was lighter than usual, with markets in the U.S. and Britain closed for holidays.

Markets in Asia were supported by Friday’s Commerce Department report that new home sales rose 6.4 percent in April

Remarks by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (lee kuh-TYAHNG’) that suggested Beijing is preparing further mini-stimulus measures to support the economy gave a lift to Chinese shares.

The dollar gained against the yen and fell against the euro. Benchmark crude oil fell but remains above $104 a barrel.

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