Asian markets mostly advance after the S&P 500 hits record high

Asian markets mostly advanced Wednesday after the benchmark S&P 500 closed at another record high following a report that the U.S. economy grew at an unexpectedly strong 4.3% annual rate in July to September. The U.S. government's first estimate of growth for the third quarter showed inflation remained high, while a separate report said consumer confidence faded further in December. Trading in Asia was thin, with many global markets due to be closed Thursday for Christmas.