Tokyo
Japanese share prices closed up 2.05 per cent at the highest level in almost four months on Friday after overnight gains on Wall Street and a weakening of the yen, dealers said.

The benchmark Nikkei-225 index rose 282.40 points to 14,049.26, the best finish since Jan 11. The broader Topix index of all first-section shares advanced 31.29 points or 2.32 per cent to 1,377.39.

Markets in Japan will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Kuala Lumpur
Hong Kong share prices closed higher on Friday, up 1.89 per cent, following Wall Street's overnight gains as concerns eased over the US economy and oil prices fell further, dealers said.

The Hang Seng index closed up 485.67 points at 26,241.02, off a low of 26,173.82 and a high of 26,374.09.

Turnover was 89.06 billion Hong Kong dollars (S$13.6 billion).

Hong Kong
Hong Kong share prices ended the morning session higher on Friday, up 1.9 per cent, on the back of encouraging US economic data and the Federal Reserve's key interest rate cut, dealers said.

The Hang Seng Index ended the session up 493.25 points at 26,248.60. Turnover was HK$50.32 billion (S$8.8 billion).

Local banks and properties led the rally after the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) also lowered its base rate by 25 basis points to 3.50 per cent, in line with the Fed move.

HKMA works in tandem with the Fed on rate decisions as the local currency is pegged to the greenback.

China
Financial markets in China are closed on Friday for the second day of their Labor Day holiday. They will reopen for trade on Monday. -- AFP, REUTERS