Asian shares inched higher on Wednesday while the yen was firmer amid conflicting interpretations of G7 comments about the yen's recent weakness. The MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS rose 0.7 percent, pulled higher by Australian shares AXJO. which jumped 1 percent led by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which posted record first half earnings. China, Taiwan and Hong Kong markets remain closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. U.S. stocks closed modestly higher on Tuesday, putting the Dow within striking distance of an all-time high. Investors were likely to continue taking ... (full story)