Asian markets rally; Nikkei advances 471pts

Major Asian markets are up smartly on the back of positive cues from the US markets on Friday.

The Hang Seng has surged 488 points to 14,731. The Nikkei has gained 471 points at 9,054.

The Taiwan Weighted index has slipped 26 points to 4,717. The Straits Times index is down two points at 1,861, while the Seoul Composite index is up five points at 1,140.

The Shanghai Composite index has rallied 86 points to 1,834.