TOKYO
Japan's benchmark Nikkei average edged up 0.20 per cent on Thursday, with the overall market buoyed by companies such as Japan Steel Works while semiconductor-linked firms took a hit.
Shares of Aiful Corp and other consumer finance companies also tumbled on media reports that credit card firm Mitsubishi UFJ Nicos Co expected to post an annual net loss.

The benchmark Nikkei rose 32.25 points to 16,413.79, after dipping into negative territory several times. The broader Topix index fell 0.05 per cent to 1,566.84.

KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysian stocks inched higher in the first trading session with the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index up 1.50 points at 1,298.66 by the lunch break.

In the broader market, losers outperformed gainers 467 to 215 while 245 counters were unchanged. Turnover was at 407 million shares worth RM619.3 million (S$279.3 million).

HONG KONG
Hong Kong share prices closed at a fresh record high Thursday as banks gained on hopes of higher loan growth following interest rate cuts, dealers said.

They said metals, mining and oil stocks also rose on strong global commodity prices.

China stocks overall were supported by speculation that Beijing might start the programme for direct purchases of Hong Kong stocks by mainland individuals soon, with some traders hoping that an announcement could be made around China's October 1 week-long holiday.

The Hang Seng Index closed up 146.49 points or 0.57 per cent at 25,701.13, off a low of 25,571.15 and a new all-time high of 25,773.60.

The index's previous closing record was 25,554.64, hit on Wednesday, while its previous all-time high was 25,648.44. Turnover was HK$118.91 billion Hong Kong dollars (S$179.3 million).

SHANGHAI
Chinese share prices closed 1.39 per cent higher Thursday to post a new record, propelled by strong gains in large cap financial and airline stocks, dealers said.

Recent gains on the Hong Kong stock market following the US rate cut and strength in the currency sparked the rebound on China's two bourses after two days of consolidation, they said.

'Today?s rebound is related to the recent strong performances in neighboring markets after the US rate cut,' said Chen Huiqin, an analyst at Huatai Securities.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index closed up 74.80 points at 5,470.07, after hitting a new intraday high of 5,482.43. Turnover fell to 143.19 billion yuan from 150.25 billion yuan in the previous session. -- REUTERS

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