Tokyo  - Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose in a morning of mixed trading Friday, but its gains were capped by a gloomy economic outlook.

The Nikkei rose 47.7 points, or 0.57 per cent, to 8,421.09, but the broader Topix index of all first-section issues dipped 0.21 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 828.82.

Increases were limited after Japan's home electronics company Panasonic Corp slashed its earnings projections for the current fiscal year, which ends March 31.

Tokyo 

New York - US stocks soared Wednesday for a fourth straight trading session.

Since its November 20 close, the broad-based Standard & Poor's 500 Index has gained 18 per cent as president-elect Barack Obama has announced appointments to financial posts within his administration and endorsed a push for major financial stimulus legislation. He takes office on January 20.

Indian equities continued to trade in the positive zone because of strong buying action witnessed in index heavyweights.

Short-covering prior to expiry of November series derivatives contracts has contributed significantly to the rise in stock prices this afternoon.

Oil & gas, banking, FMCG stocks went up, while auto and consumer goods stocks saw profit booking.

BSE Midcap and Smallcap index lost 0.88% and 1.13% respectively.

Seoul - Shares closed 4.7 per cent higher Wednesday on the Seoul stock exchange as the US government's rescue plan for Citigroup Inc helped boost investor confidence.