TOKYO
Japanese share prices closed down 2.44 per cent on Monday, hit by worries about the US economy and a growing number of domestic H1N1 flu infections, dealers said.

The Nikkei-225 index lost 226.33 points to end at 9,038.69. The broader Topix index of all first section shares fell 21.94 points, or 2.49 per cent, to 859.71.

HONG KONG
Hong Kong share prices closed 1.38 per cent higher on Monday, rebounding from earlier lows following a rally on the Shanghai bourse, dealers said.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index ended up 232.21 points at 17,022.91. Turnover was HK$66.38 billion (S$12.52).

SHANGHAI
Chinese shares closed up 0.28 per cent on Monday, rebounding from early lows as coal producers offset losses in financial and real estate stocks, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers A and B shares, was up 7.52 points at 2,652.78 on turnover of 117.8 billion yuan (S$10.58 billion).

The Shanghai A-share index rose 7.83 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 2,784.59 on turnover of 117.4 billion yuan, while the Shenzhen A-share index gained 6.84 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 938.98 on turnover of 59.5 billion yuan.

KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysian shares ended down 0.2 per cent on Monday on mild profit-taking, dealers said.

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index dropped 2.20 points to 1,012.01. -- AFP