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.

Sydney  - The Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday cut interest rates by 1 per cent to 3.25 per cent in hopes of lifting consumer confidence and helping the economy skirt the global recession.

It was the RBA's fifth monthly cut and brings the rate it charges banks for borrowing to a level not seen since the 1960s.

The further easing of monetary policy comes after figures were released showing inflation falling sharply towards the RBA's 3-per-cent upper-range target.

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

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average inched up 7.62 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 7,881.6.

The broader Topix index of all first section issues was also up 0.87 points, or 0.11 per cent, at 778.72.

Tokyo players moved to buy some shares battered during the previous day, but gains were limited because of pessimistic earnings outlooks of Japanese firms.

The Sensex continued to trade weak due to sustained selling action witnessed in index pivotals.
 
In addition to weak worldwide markets, weak earnings from India Inc and lower economic data have also contributed to today’s downfall.

Realty stocks were severely hit followed by metal and banking stocks.

Merchandise exports from India shrunk 1% in December, 2008 and stood at $12.7 billion, as against $ 12.82 billion during the corresponding period of the last year.