Asian stock markets closed mostly higher Monday. Tokyo's Nikkei index rose a fraction of 1% (79 points), to close at 11,632. Tokyo markets were closed Friday for a holiday.
Hong Kong's key index, the Hang Seng, gained 1.24% (172 points), to finish at 14,017. The Hang Seng was closed Friday for the Lunar New Year.
Elsewhere, share prices were higher in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Wellington and Bombay.
The Sydney market closed lower. The U.S. dollar was quoted at 104.98 yen in Tokyo, down 0.66 yen from late Thursday in Tokyo.
The price of gold in Hong Kong rose 10 dollars and 50 cents to close at 423 dollars and 25 cents an ounce.
