Asian market rise after positive US economic data

Most Asian stock markets gained modestly Tuesday after more encouraging signs that the global recession is starting to let up.

But the advance was smaller than the previous day's as some investors showed caution following a three-month rally. Oil prices were steady above $68, while Japanese car companies like Toyota and Nissan climbed after General Motors Corp.'s bankruptcy removed some uncertainty about the fate of the U.S. automaker.

Investors got another dose of positive U.S. economic news with better-than-expected readings on manufacturing, consumer spending and construction spending.

That reinforced for many traders what upbeat surveys about …