TOKYO

Japanese share prices closed up 2.15 per cent on Thursday, boosted by gains on other Asian markets and a weaker yen, which is good for exporters.

The benchmark Nikkei-225 index rose 205.76 points to end at 9,796.08. The broader Topix index of all first section shares climbed 17.31 points, or 1.92 per cent, to 919.77.

KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysian shares closed up 1.51 per cent on Thursday after local funds bought into selected property and construction related stocks, dealers said.

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index gained 16.26 points to 1,074.11. Advancers outpaced losers 510 to 159.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong share prices closed 2.14 per cent higher on Thursday, matching rises in other Asian markets, dealers said.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed up 382.88 points at 18,275.03.

Turnover was HK$60.23 billion (S$11.24 billion).

SHANGHAI

Chinese shares were flat on Thursday as gains in heavyweight banks and steel makers outweighed profit-taking in power generators, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers A and B shares, rose 2.75 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 2,925.05 on turnover of 129.3 billion yuan (S$27.5 billion).

The Shanghai A-share index rose 2.90 points, or 0.09 per cent, to close at 3,070.80 on turnover of 129.0 billion yuan, while the Shenzhen A-share index gained 0.48 points, or 0.05 per cent, to 1,002.64 on turnover of 67.1 billion yuan. -- AFP