Asian markets track US gains; Nikkei up 292pts

Asian markets have posted smart gains tracking a rally in the US markets.

The Nikkei has surged 292 points to 17,455. The Hang Seng has rallied 160 points to 19,516, and the Shanghai index has gained 31 points at 3089.

The Straits Times index has soared 68 points to 3224. The Taiwan Weighted index has added 74 points to 7831.