Asia-Pacific markets set to open higher after Wall Street gains; Japan's parliamentary vote in focus

Group 1 - Japan's core consumer price index increased by 3.3% in June, surpassing the US figure for the first time in eight years [1] - The Nikkei 225 index in Japan rose over 1% to a record high of 49,739.76, following an all-time high close on the previous Monday [1] - The Topix index also reached a record high, gaining 0.48% [1] Group 2 - Broader Asia-Pacific markets opened higher, influenced by gains in Wall Street, particularly driven by a rally in Apple shares [2] - Investors are anticipating Japan's parliamentary vote, which is expected to support Sanae Takaichi as the next prime minister [2] Group 3 - Australia's ASX/S&P 200 index increased by 0.50%, with significant gains in rare earth companies following a critical minerals agreement between Australia and the US [3] - Lynas Rare Earths shares rose by 3.8%, Iluka Resources increased nearly 6%, and Pilbara Minerals rose by 4.7% [3] - VHM shares surged over 30%, while Northern Minerals saw a nearly 15% increase [3] - South Korea's Kospi index jumped by 1.57%, and the small-cap Kosdaq gained 0.52% [3] Group 4 - Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index indicated a higher opening, trading at 26,232 compared to the previous close of 25,858.83 [4] - Indian markets were closed for a holiday [4]