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Japan's Nikkei index leads Asia markets on Easter Monday Japan's Nikkei index leads Asia markets on Easter Monday
(about 7 hours later)
Japan's Nikkei 225 opened up 0.8% on Monday helped in part by a lower yen against the dollar. Japan's Nikkei 225 finished up 0.77% to 17,134.37 on Monday helped in part by a lower yen against the dollar.
Shares in troubled Japanese electronics giant Sharp were up 5.5% in early trade on hopes of a bailout deal. Shares in troubled Japanese electronics giant Sharp rose as much as 8% in early trade on hopes of a bailout deal.
The Nikkei business daily newspaper reported that a deal for the electronics firm may finally be signed this week.The Nikkei business daily newspaper reported that a deal for the electronics firm may finally be signed this week.
Sharp has been in talks with Taiwan's Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.Sharp has been in talks with Taiwan's Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.
However, the deal will be smaller than originally planned, reports said.However, the deal will be smaller than originally planned, reports said.
The Nikkei was up 0.83% to 17,143.16 points by mid-morning. Sharp's shares finished the Easter Monday session up almost 5%.
In China, the Shanghai Composite was up 0.41% to 2,991.83. Manufacturing shares
Meanwhile, South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was up 0.4% to 1,991.56. In China, the Shanghai Composite spent much of the day in positive territory.
Markets in Hong Kong and Australia are closed for the Easter holiday. Data released on the weekend showed industrial profits returned to growth during January and February, which gave a boost to manufacturing shares.
However, by late afternoon, the index had lost ground and was down 0.33% to 2,968.9.
South Korea's benchmark Kospi index finished the session flat at 1,982.54.
Markets in Hong Kong and Australia reopen on Tuesday after the Easter holidays.