HK stocks rise; Nikkei at 4-mth closing high

HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks rose on Monday, led by coal producer China Shenhua amid high coal prices, while building and raw material counters also attracted buying on expectations of strong demand after China's devastating earthquake.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed up 0.48 per cent at 25,742.23 points. The China Enterprises Index of Hong Kong-listed mainland companies, or H shares, finished 1.28 per cent higher at 14,367.70. -- REUTERS

TOKYO: Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.4 per cent on Monday to hit a four-month closing high as near record-high oil prices boosted Inpex Holdings, while higher commodity prices also pushed up trading firms such as Mitsubishi Corp.

The benchmark Nikkei rose 50.13 points to end at 14,269.61, the highest close since Jan 10. The broader Topix index added 0.6 per cent or 8.38 points to 1,404.25. -- REUTERS

SINGAPORE/KUALA LUMPUR: Financial markets in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are closed for a public holiday. Trading resumes on Tuesday, May 20. -- BT ONLINE