Asian shares hit 7-month high on US consumer data

Optimistic consumer confidence data from the US boosted Asian shares to their seven-month high while oil prices surged almost to their highest since November.

The Hang Seng soared 894 points (5%) to 17,885. The Nikkei gained 128 points (1.5%) at 9,439.

The Taiwan Weighted  and the Straits Times surged 3% each to 6,890 and 2,309, respectively. The Shanghai Composite advanced 44 points (2%) to 2,633.

However, the Seoul Composite slipped 10 points (1%) to 1,362.
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(Updated at 113 hrs)

The Hang Seng has surged 800 points (5%) to 17,791. The Nikkei has added 127 points (1.3%) at 9,438.

The Shanghai Composite has advanced 35 points (1.3%) at 2,624.

The Straits Times has gained 50 points (2.23%) and the Taiwan Weighted Index soared 237 points (3.5%) to 6,920.

On the other hand, Seoul Composite is down two points at 1,370.
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Updated at 0819 Hrs:

Asian stocks has opened up this morning on optimistic consumer confidence data from the US. Consumers confidence rose to it's highest in six months boosting hopes of an improving global economy.

The Hang Seng has surged 357 points (2%) to 17,348. Japan's Nikkei has gained 136 points (1.5%) at 9,447.

The Taiwan Weighted has rallied 149 points (2%) to 6,832. The Straits Times and the Seoul Composite have advanced 1.5% each to 2,276 and 1,391, respectively.

The Shanghai Composite is flat at 2,611.