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Asian stocks hit a 4-month high on Monday, buoyed by a positive U.S. jobs report. Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index held steady at midday <26250.68>. Investors waded back into the market after the U.S. jobs data that suggested economic woes may be less than was feared. Japanese traders reactions to the U.S. jobs data will be seen on Tuesday, when the market reopens after a national holiday. In Australia, resource firm BHP Billiton rose by over 1.5 per cent thanks to stronger metals prices. Here in China, the Shanghai Stock Index rose nearly 2 percent, led by real estate companies amid talk that China is unlikely to raise interest rates any time soon. Tyra Dempster, Reuters, Beijing.