December 07, 2006	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 15, 1427

HONG KONG, Dec 6: Asian stocks closed higher on Wednesday with investors following Wall Street's lead, set after a report showed a surprise acceleration in the US economy's vast services sector.

As a result Tokyo gained 0.65 per cent, Kuala Lumpur was up 0.86 per cent, Hong Kong rose 0.43 per cent, Bangkok climbed 0.50 per cent, Taipei was 1.10 per cent higher and Jakarta added 0.43 per cent for another record close.

TOKYO: Share prices ended in positive territory as investors took their cue from a stronger Wall Street and firm domestic economic data.

The Nikkei-225 rose 105.52 points to 16,371.28. Volume fell to 1.66 billion shares from 1.84 billion on Tuesday.

HONG KONG: Share prices closed 0.43 per cent higher, lifted by Wall Street's continued gains overnight and a further rise in China telecom stocks and financials.

SYDNEY: Share prices closed 0.74 per cent higher as overnight gains on Wall Street boosted investor sentiment, with fresh takeover activity in the media sector providing a strong lead.

The SP/ASX 200 rose 40.2 points to 5,466.7. Turnover was 1.67 billion shares worth 5.39 billion dollars (4.25 billion US).

SINGAPORE: Share prices closed down 0.24 per cent as investors locked in profits after the index burst through the 2,900 level a day earlier.

KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices closed 0.86 per cent higher as strong buying in selected blue chips offset profit-taking in the broader market.

JAKARTA: Share prices closed up 0.43 per cent at a second consecutive record high on expectations the central bank will trim its benchmark interest rate at its policy meeting Thursday.

WELLINGTON: Share prices closed 0.15 per cent higher with Canwest Mediaworks lifting an otherwise flat market.

MUMBAI: Share prices closed at a sixth straight record high in choppy trade with overseas funds staying on the sidelines.—AFP