Asian markets rally; Nikkei up 106pts

Asian markets have rallied smartly this morning.

The Nikkei has gained 106 points at 16,544. The Hang Seng has surged 801 points to 29,174.

The Taiwan Weighted index has rallied 129 points to 9490. The Straits Times has advanced 42 points to 3684, and the Seoul Composite index has added 29 points to 1933.

The Shanghai Composite index, however, is flat at 5663 - down four points.