DHAKA: 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 end of the session, the Kospi index closed up 1.75% at 2,015.93.

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, reports the BBC.

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, 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.

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.

On the mainland in China, the Shanghai Composite index edged up 0.06% to 3,068.58.

BDST: 1454 HRS, APR 14, 2016
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