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Asian markets start Thursday on a high Asian markets higher in Thursday trade
(about 5 hours later)
Asian stock markets kicked off Thursday's session higher, following gains in US and European markets. Asian stock markets held on to gains on Thursday, following the positive trend from US and European markets.
In Australia, the benchmark S&P ASX 200 opened 0.46% higher - or 23 points - to 5,077.89. South Korea has returned from a public holiday. At the lunchtime break, the Kospi index was up 1% at 2,001.03.
South Korea has returned from a public holiday. The Kospi index there resumed trade with a gain of 1.42% to 2,009.39. In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 2.5% at midday to 196,782.02, the highest level for the index this month.
In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 index also traded higher at the open, up by 1.52% - or 248.61 points - at 16,629.83.
The Japanese currency has steadily weakened to a one-week low against the US dollar.The Japanese currency has steadily weakened to a one-week low against the US dollar.
Overnight, the yen was at 109.21 against the US dollar. Earlier in the week, the Japanese currency was around 107 against the US dollar. Overnight, the yen was at 109.21 against the US dollar, compared to the 107 range from earlier in the week.
A weaker Japanese currency would be welcomed by many Japanese exporters, as that would make their goods cheaper and more competitive overseas.A weaker Japanese currency would be welcomed by many Japanese exporters, as that would make their goods cheaper and more competitive overseas.
Shares of electronics giant Panasonic rose 3.7%. Car manufacturers Nissan and Toyota also got a boost, as their respective shares edged up by more than 2%.
In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng index added 0.89% or 187.71 points to 21,346.42.
On the mainland in China, the Shanghai Composite index edged up 0.06% to 3,068.58.
Australia jobs
In Australia, the benchmark S&P ASX 200 rose 0.9% - or 45.45 points - to hit 5,100.1 by midday.
Mining stocks led the rally in Australian markets, following a jump in iron ore prices. Shares of BHP Billiton added 4.6% by midday, while shares of rival Rio Tinto were up by 1.9%.
Data from Australia showed the economy added 26,100 jobs in March. That led to a dip in the unemployment rate to 5.7% - the lowest rate since September 2013. In February, the unemployment rate was at 5.8%.
The latest data could ease pressure on the Australian central bank to lower interest rates further, to help spur economic growth.
The central bank's key lending rate is currently at a record low of 2%. The last rate cut was in May 2015.
US markets closed positive overnight, led by gains in shares of financial institutions.US markets closed positive overnight, led by gains in shares of financial institutions.
JPMorgan shares surged by more than 4% after it reported a quarterly profit that beat market expectations, for the three months to March. JPMorgan shares surged by more than 4% after it reported a quarterly profit that beat market expectations for the three months to March. JPMorgan is the biggest US bank by assets.
JPMorgan is the biggest US bank by assets.