MSCI's main index of Asian shares .MIAP00000PUS had gained 0.6% in its fifth rise in six session overnight too. U.S. initial jobless claims and producer price inflation data are both due later in the day. Earnings reports are also scheduled from big name U.S. banks including Bank of America BAC.N, Wells Fargo WFC.N, Morgan Stanley MS.N and Citi C.N.