September 16, 2006	Saturday	Sha'aban 22, 1427

HONG KONG, Sept 15: Asian stocks closed mixed to firmer on Friday, finding support from lower oil prices which gave the airlines a sharp boost while trade overall was lacklustre, in line with Wall Street, dealers said.

They said investors were largely content to sit out the day ahead of key US consumer inflation data and the lead it could give on what the US Federal Reserve may decide on interest rates at its meeting next week.

TOKYO: Japanese share prices closed 0.47 per cent lower after the government revised down a leading economic index and as investors locked in recent profits ahead of a long weekend here, dealers said.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index fell 75.46 points to 15,866.93. The broader TOPIX index of all first-section stocks slipped 4.70 points or 0.29 per cent to 1,593.43.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong share prices closed 0.32 per cent higher as aviation stocks attracted strong interest in late trade on the prospect of lower fuel prices, dealers said.

SYDNEY: Australian share prices closed 0.67 per cent lower after banking stocks took a hit and investors fretted again about the direction of commodity prices, dealers said.

SINGAPORE: Singapore share prices closed 0.12 per cent higher with property stocks City Developments and CapitaLand supporting the market, dealers said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian share prices closed 0.20 per cent higher as local funds supported blue chips on expectations that the market could extend its mild technical rebound into next week, dealers said.

JAKARTA: Indonesian share prices closed 0.30 per cent higher driven by gains in Telkom and select pharmaceutical stocks that benefited from a rotational buying shift into the sector, dealers said.

WELLINGTON: New Zealand share prices closed 0.61 per cent higher, led by strong gains in discount retailer The Warehouse after founder Stephen Tindall launched a privatisation bid, dealers said.

MUMBAI: Indian share prices closed 0.31 per cent higher and back above the key 12,000 points for the market to chalk up its best finish in four months, dealers said.—AFP