Business

Asia Pacific markets higher at close

21:06 pm on 25 June 2009

Markets in Asia and the Pacific were higher at the close of trade on Thursday.

The benchmark New Zealand index gained 7 points, or 0.3%, to 2748 on turnover of $38 million.

The Australian share market closed higher for the second day running, led by gains in the resources sector on the back of higher commodity prices.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 49 points, or 1.29%, at 3,856, while the broader-based All Ordinaries index was 49.3 points higher, or 1.3%, to 3851.5 points.

Japanese share prices were 2.15% higher, 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%, to 919.77.

Hong Kong share prices were up 2.14%. The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed up 382.88 points at 18,275.03.