Asian markets rally; Nikkei ends up 203pts

Asian markets are holding solid gains today.

The Nikkei ended with a significant gain of 203 points at 17,232. The Hang Seng has surged 172 points to 19,981, and the Shanghai index has added 19 points to 3272.

The Straits Times index has moved up 40 points to 3286, and the Taiwan Weighted index has gained 48 points at 7933. The Jakarta index has rallied 29 points to 1879.