While Chinese markets saw violent swings as Beijing hinted at intentions for further fiscal stimulus measures, most Asian equities moved up on Thursday as investors looked to critical U.S. inflation data for additional clues on interest rates.

Wall Street provided a good lead-in for regional markets, as the Dow Jones reached a new closing high following the release of the Federal Reserve's September meeting minutes, which revealed policymakers were in favour of a 50 basis point reduction.

However, given that the minutes also revealed the Fed did not commit to a specific rate of interest rate reductions, U.S. stock index futures were flat in Asian trading.

China's indices had a sharp fall on Wednesday before swinging around 1% in volatile action.

Even after the finance ministry announced that it would have a conference this Saturday to discuss preparations for fiscal stimulus measures meant to spur growth, stocks continued to decline.

The action was taken in response to market disappointment after a briefing on recent monetary stimulus measures on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Chinese stocks fell from two-year highs.

Investors became sceptical about the extent of additional help Beijing would provide because the nation is also struggling with elevated levels of debt.

With attention shifting to U.S. consumer price index inflation data, which is expected later on Thursday, for more hints on the trajectory of rates, other Asian markets were cautiously higher on Thursday.

The fact that the producer price index inflation increased more than anticipated in September and that this might signal further inflationary pressure in the nation hampered gains in Japan.

Australia's ASX 200 added 0.6% thanks to optimism about China, considering the country's significant trading exposure to the mainland.

(Sources: investing.com, reuters.com)