Asian Stocks End Higher; Nikkei Gains 1.4%

By Jeremiah Marquez

HONG KONG -- Asian stocks ended higher Thursday, but trading was cautious amid gnawing worries about banks after Morgan Stanley (MS Quote) reported worse-than-expected results.

A number of Asian bourses fluctuated and volumes were lackluster. Automakers helped lead the broader market, crude oil prices were flat and the dollar steadied against the yen after a morning fall.

News of U.S. investment firm Morgan Stanley's disappointing quarterly report rattled many investors already nervous about the U.S. government's upcoming "stress tests" of banking health. Reports that Nomura Holdings(NMR Quote), Japan's leading brokerage, has incurred a record net loss of 700 billion yen ($7 billion) in the last fiscal year also weighed. ...