Asian markets end positive; Hang Seng up 290 points

All the Asian markets ended with smart gains.

The Hang Seng advanced 291 points or 1% to 22,113. The Nikkei soared 227 points or 2.43% to 9,572.

The Shanghai Composite Index added 40 points or 1% to 3,235.

The Straits Times was up 1% at 2,763. The Seoul Composite and the Taiwan Weighted Index increased around 1% each. _____________________________________________

(Updated at 1146hrs)

The Hang Seng has advanced 119 points or 0,5% at 21,940. The Nikkei added 208 points or 2% at 9,554. The stock advanced to a two-week closing high on Tuesday after the Bank of Japan said it would hold an extraordinary policy meeting thus sparking speculation that it might take necessary steps to support the economy.

The Shanghai Composite Index is up 18 points at 3,213.

The Taiwan Weighted Index has soared 67 points at 7,649. The Straits Times and the Seoul Composite are up over 0.5% each at 2,753 and 1,569, respectively.
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(Updated at 0809hrs)

The Asian markets have opened on a positive note.

The Hang Seng has added 93 points at 21,914. The Nikkei on the other hand has slipped 88 points to 9,257.

The Shanghai Composite Index is flat at 3,194.

The Straits Times has advanced 23 points or 1% to 2,755.

The Seoul Composite Index and the Taiwan Weighted index are marginally up at 1,560 and 7,588, respectively.