Asian markets firm; Nikkei up 173pts

Asian markets are firm this morning following a positive close on the US markets.

The Hang Seng has rallied 415 points to 27,432. The Nikkei has surged 173 points to 15,205.

The Taiwan Weighted index has rallied 134 points to 7991. The Straits Times has advanced 60 points to 3417, and the Seoul Composite index has gained 23 pointa at 1868.

The Shanghai Composite index has added 25 points to 5068.