Asian markets open on a positive note

Asian markets opened on a positive note on Thursday (Nov. 29, 2007), on speculation that the US Federal bank will cut interest rates.

Toyota Motor Co. and Samsung Electronics surged on anticipation that lower borrowing costs will increase the demand for cars as well as semiconductors.

Japan`s benchmark index Nikkei added 361.02 points, or 2.38%, to trade at 15,514.80.

Hong Kong`s Hang Seng advanced 955.61 points, or 3.49%, to trade at 28,326.85.

China`s Shanghai Composite added 26.70 points, or 0.56%, to trade at 4,830.09.

Taiwan`s Taiex gained 161.84 points, or 1.96%, to trade at 8,438.10.

South Korea`s Kospi advanced 46.27 points, or 2.52%, to trade at 1,880.96.

Singapore`s Straits Times gained 85.24 points, or 2.53%, to trade at 3,454.96. (IST 8.15 a.m)