Asian markets shine; Shanghai up 3.5%

Asian markets have posted smart gains today.

China's Shanghai Composite index has soared 3.5% (123 points) to 3572.

The Nikkei ended with a gain of 81 points at 17,453. The Hang Seng has rallied 181 points to 20,481.

The Straits Times and Taiwan Weighted indices have moved up 55 points each to 3346 and 7943, respectively.

The Jakarta Composite index has advanced 26 points to 1945, and the Seoul Composite index has added 19 points to 1533.