TOKYO – Most Asian stock markets made modest gains in early trading Wednesday after Wall Street posted its fourth straight gain, pointing toward an upbeat end to the quarter.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average climbed 0.2 percent to 11,123.51 as auto stocks advanced on the the last day of Japan’s fiscal calendar. The index briefly hit an 18-month high.

South Korea’s Kospi index and Taiwan’s benchmark were both up about 0.1 percent.

Missing out were Australian stocks, which slipped after the government said retail sales unexpectedly fell 1.4 percent in February. Australia’s benchmark declined 0.1 percent.

Overnight in New York, the Dow Jones industrials added 0.1 percent to 10,907.42. Sentiment brightened after consumer confidence grew more than expected in March. A separate report showed home prices inched higher for the eighth consecutive month.

In currencies, the dollar rose to 93.28 yen from 92.82 yen late Wednesday. The euro stood at $1.3399 from $1.3414.