Asian Stocks Advance Across Region

November 6, 2009 9:28 a.m. EST

Hong Kong (AHN) - Asian markets rose Friday, demonstrating strong upticks across the region.

The Nikkei Average added 72 points, or 0.74 percent, to 9,789.4 on gains by exporters.

An upgraded forecast by the country's central bank pushed Australian shares up 1.9 percent. The S&P/ASX 200 rose 86 points in Sydney, or 1.9 percent, to 4,594.

The Kospi in Seoul added 20 points, or 1.3 percent, to end at 1,572.46. In Taipei, the Taiex rose 45.6 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,463.06.

Singapore's Straits Times Index advanced 28.86 points, or 1.1 percent, on gains by big cap stocks and financials.

The Hang Seng Index gained 350.7 points, or 1.63 percent, on property, banks and telecommunication shares. For the sixth straight day, the Shanghai Composite had a positive finish, adding 9 points, or 0.2 percent.

India's Sensex rose 94 points, or 0.6 percent.