The Sensex continued to trade positive this afternoon on account of heavy buying action witnessed in stocks from sectors like oil & gas, telecom, banking, technology and metal.

The buying impetus assisted the markets to remain in positive zone despite some volatility.

Shares of metal companies were in high demand following a rally in commodities in Asian markets on expectations that commodities may have bottomed out.

Midcap and small cap indices were following the same trend, and gained 0.46% and 1.13% respectively.

Hong Kong  - Hong Kong stocks ended a two-day losing run Wednesday to climb by more than 2 per cent, ending the day back above the 13,000-point mark.

After losses of nearly 3 per cent on Monday and 0.7 per cent Tuesday, the blue-chip Hang Seng Index rose 287 points to end the day at 13,063.89.

The closing figure was 2.25 per cent higher than Tuesday's close. Turnover was a relatively low 36.4 billion Hong Kong dollars (4.69 billion US dollars).

Seoul  - Shares surged 2.8 per c

Indian equities, which ended positively on Tuesday (Feb 03), belled today’s session on a higher note tracking global market trends and on expectations of an US economic stimulus plan.

The 30-share index, BSE Sensex opened after gaining 76.90 points, at 9,226.20.

Heavy buying interest has emerged in the majority of segments with metal, banking and capital goods leading the gains.

Tokyo  - The Tokyo market bounced back Wednesday, snapping a three-day losing streak thanks to overnight rises on Wall Street.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 168.58 points in morning trading, or 2.15 per cent, to 7,994.09.

The broader Topix index of all first section issues was also up 10.47 points, or 1.35 per cent, at 784.26.

On currency markets at 9 am (0000 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 89.35-40 yen, down from Tuesday's 5 pm quote of 89.72-74 yen.

Tokyo - Stocks ended lower Tuesday in Tokyo amid a wait-and-see mood among investors ahead of corporate earnings reports and forecasts.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged down 48.47 points, or 0.62 per cent, to close at 7,825.51.

The broader Topix index of all first section issues was also down 4.06 points, or 0.52 per cent, at 773.79.