Asian markets on firm ground

Asian markets are seen heading north following a smart rally in the US and European markets.

The Nikkei has gained almost 1% at 15,609. The Shanghai Composite index has rallied 2% to 1676, and the Straits Times index has added 1% to 2408. The Hang Seng is up 0.4% at 15,919.

The KLSE Composite, SET Composite and PSE Composite indices are marginally in the green.

However, the Kospi index is down 0.5% at 1,311.

(Indices as of 09:15 IST)