Asian markets rally; Nikkei up 128pts

Asian markets have posted smart gains this morning.

The Nikkei has advanced 128 points to 16,578. The Hang Seng has surged 341 points to 29,717.

The Taiwan Weighted index has rallied 72 points to 9574. The Straits Times is up five points at 3700, and the Seoul Composite index has gained 31 points at 1979.

The Shanghai Composite index has soared 81 points to 5854.