Tokyo - China-related shares led the Japanese market to rise more almost 3 per cent in Thursday morning trading.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average jumped 253.43 points, or 2.9 per cent, to 8,996.39.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was also up 16.67 points, or 2 per cent, at 851.92.

Investors were attracted to mainly China-related titles Thursday on hopes of the nation's economic growth.

New York  - US stock markets rose on Wednesday on signs of economic recovery as the Federal Reserve said a number of regions are reporting an easing of the country's economic downturn.

The Federal Reserve said five of its 12 regional banks reported a "moderation in the pace of decline, and several saw signs that activity in some sectors was stabilizing at a low level," according to the central bank's Beige Book, a regional report on the economy.

Indian Stock markets continued the upward move on Wednesday as well. The markets opened sharply lower on the back of weak global cues and disappointing guidance from Infosys, but saw significant recovery from the day's low as huge buying interest from the Institutional and local players helped the Sensex successfully to close above 11,000 mark while the Nifty to close above the 200-day moving average of 3,425.

The BSE Sensex has touched an intraday high of 11,337 before closing the day at 11,284 up 318 points or 2.9%. The Nifty shut at 3,484 up 3% or 101 points after hitting a high of 3,497 and low of 3,336.

Tokyo - Japanese markets extended losses Wednesday on the yen's advance against the US dollar. Investors were selling also because worries grew on the US economic outlook following weak retail sales reports in March.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average was down 74.33 points, or 0.84 per cent, to 8,768.35.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues declined 9.27 points, or 1.1 per cent, at 834.15.

Tokyo investors sold mainly export-oriented issues as the stronger yen affects Japanese firms' earnings.

With the board of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, SEBI, divided on the issue related to its lawful right to inspect if the committee appointed to look into the National Securities and Depository Limited (NSDL) matter, it was decided on Monday that an independent legal opinion will be sought.

The Indian stock markets remained buoyant and close higher on Monday, for the seventh consecutive day, after an intraday volatile session.

During trading session, the Sensex surpassed the 11,000 mark while the Nifty tested the 3,400 level. BSE Sensex settled the day at 10,967, up 163 points or 1.51%, and Nifty ended up 40 points or 1.21% to 3,382.

Further, BSE Mid Caps and Small Caps also ended the day with gains of 106.57 and 147.61 points at 3,464.92 and 3,915.16 respectively.