Chinese property shares spiked today, with Poly Real Estate Group soaring 2.9% after saying property sales had risen 155% so far this year. Gemdale Corp. posted a 2.1% gain for the day, claiming its sales had increased 84% this year.

Hong Kong-listed shares of Chinese carmakers surged today, after a report said that October car sales in China soared 76% in October as compared to a year ago. Qingling Motors, which makes Isuzu trucks, rocketed up 32% and Brilliance China Automotive (BCAHY) climbed 15%. Geely Automobile (GELYF), which has made a $2 billion bid to buy Volvo from Ford, soared 7.6%.

China Strategic Holdings (CSGGF), a battery maker and property investor shot up 78% in Hong Kong today, announcing firm plans to finance the purchase of Nan Shan Life Insurance. The company, which is controlled by several Hong Kong tycoons, also appointed an ex-Hong Kong government official to run the company, according to the Wall Street Journal.

In Tokyo, banking shares rose with Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFJY) climbing 3.6% and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MTU), gaining 2.7%.

Japan Tobacco (JAPAF) shares rose 4.4% as the company predicts it will make money on currency gains. It also reported an increase in market share for its Camel and Winston brands. Despite a decline in the number of overseas smokers, in Japan smoking is still ubiquitous. It is estimated that nearly 50% of Japanese men smoke and non-smoking areas are hard to come by, even in family-oriented restaurants. In these stressful times, perhaps those who smoke, are just smoking more.