HONG KONG: Asian markets were broadly higher on Friday, boosted by strong bond auctions in Italy and Spain as well as soothing words from the European Central Bank on the state of the region's finances. The euro was also holding onto strong gains made in late Thursday trade while dealers shook off weak data from the United States. Tokyo was 1.05 percent higher by the break, Hong Kong gained 0.31 percent, Sydney was 0.34 percent higher and Seoul climbed 0.52 percent while Shanghai dipped 0.32 percent. Confidence was boosted after Spain successfully passed its first bond test of 2012, locking in sharply lower borrowing rates and raising far more money than first planned. Investors flocked to the issue and Rome took advantage of the cheaper rates to raise about 10 billion euros ($13 billion) -- twice the original target. And Italy raised 12 billion euros, with borrowing rates for short-term funds down sharply in a sign of improving market confidence. The auctions provided much relief to investors who have seen the borrowing costs of Italy and Rome sit around levels considered unsustainable for governments to service their debts. The two countries are considered most at risk of needing a bailout, which many fear could tear the...