This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36041826

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Asian markets higher in Thursday trade Asian markets higher in Thursday trade
(35 minutes later)
Asian stock markets held on to gains on Thursday, following the positive trend from US and European markets. Asian stock markets held on to gains in Thursday trading, following the positive trend from US and European markets.
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. At the end of the session, the Kospi index closed up 1.75% at 2,015.93.
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 ended the Thursday session higher by 3.2% at 16,911.05.
That is the highest closing level for the index this month.
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, compared to the 107 range from earlier in the week. Overnight, the yen was at 109.21 against the US dollar, after trading at about 107 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%. Shares in electronics giant Panasonic closed up by 4.1%. Shares of car manufacturer Toyota gained 3.25%, while its rival Nissan saw a 2.5% gain at the close of trade.
In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng index added 0.89% or 187.71 points to 21,346.42.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.On the mainland in China, the Shanghai Composite index edged up 0.06% to 3,068.58.
Australia jobsAustralia jobs
In Australia, the benchmark S&P ASX 200 rose 0.9% - or 45.45 points - to hit 5,100.1 by midday. In Australia, the benchmark S&P ASX 200 closed up 1.3% - or 63.95 points - at 5,118.6, rounding off three days of gains.
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%. Mining stocks led the rally in Australian markets, following a jump in iron ore prices. Shares of BHP Billiton surged by 5.3% at the close, while shares of rival Rio Tinto were up by 2.5%.
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%.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 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.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 is the biggest US bank by assets.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.