Hong Kong share prices were 5.5 percent down by midday Thursday as dealers followed a steep fall on Wall Street overnight, analysts said.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index ended the session down 704.29 points at 12,111.51 on volume worth 23.49 billion Hong Kong dollars (3.03 billion US dollars).

Japan`s Nikkei stock index tumbled 4.32 percent by the lunch break on Thursday as gloomy economic data added to fears of a long global recession.

The Nikkei dropped 357.59 points to 7,915.63, after the Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 5.07 percent overnight on Wall Street.

Tokyo`s Nikkei stock index rose 1.17 percent by the lunch break Monday, reversing early losses in the wake of a pledge by world leaders to restore global growth and news that Japan is in recession.

The benchmark gained 98.80 points to 8,561.19, after climbing 2.72 percent on Friday.

HONG KONG, Oct 22, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning session sharply lower Monday, down 2.53 percent, following steep losses on Wall Street over worries about the US economy and corporate earnings, dealers said.

They said large-caps China Mobile and HSBC tracked falls in prices of their American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) Friday in New York, but PetroChina recovered from early weakness as the oil giant kicked off a marketing roadshow for its Shanghai initial public offering.

SHANGHAI, Oct 22, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices fell 0.37 percent in Monday morning trade, following Wall Street's plunge in the previous session, dealers said.

They said that although China's capital markets had a relatively small portion of foreign investment, the sharp decline on US markets hurt Chinese shares dual-listed in Hong Kong, which closed down sharply in the morning session.

SYDNEY, Oct 22, 2007 (AFP) - Australian share prices were sharply lower by mid-session Monday after last week's fall on Wall Street on fresh worries about the outlook for the economy, dealers said.

'Selling is very broadly based, with 186 out of the top 200 companies in negative territory,' said David Land, an equities analyst at CMC Markets.

At 12.25 pm (0225 GMT), the S&P/ASX 200 was down 136.7 points or 2.0 percent at 6,569.6, off a low of 6,542.9 early in the session. The All Ordinaries index was down 134.8 points or 2.0 percent at 6,588.5.

TOKYO, Oct 22, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices tumbled 3.2 percent to a near one-month low in morning trade on Monday, hit by heavy losses on Wall Street and a stronger yen which is bad for exporters, dealers said.

The slump came after US share prices fell sharply on Friday as fresh worries emerged about the outlook for the world's largest economy on the 20th anniversary of the 'Black Monday' New York market crash.

Lacklustre corporate earnings and rising oil prices also spooked US investors.

SHANGHAI, Oct 19, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices rose 0.51 percent in Friday morning trade brushing off early weakness sparked by fears over a plan to allow mainland investors to buy stocks in Hong Kong.

They said that a weak dollar led to buying of real estate stocks, despite some lingering concerns about the government plan that would help narrow the huge price differential between A-shares and H-shares of dual-listed companies.

TOKYO, Oct 19, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices fell 1.59 percent in morning trade Friday, dropping back below 17,000 points on concerns about the impact of credit market distress on the US banking sector, dealers said.

They said record high oil prices and a profit slump at Bank of America had weighed on sentiment on Wall Street overnight, providing little incentive for investors in Tokyo to chase shares higher.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares dropped 271.98 points to 16,834.11 by the lunch break.

HONG KONG, Oct 18, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning session higher Thursday, up 1.08 percent, on reports of a study to examine swapping shares listed both here and on the Chinese mainland, dealers said.

Early highs took the key index briefly past the 30,000 level, as China stocks tracked a rally in their American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).

SHANGHAI, Oct 18, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices fell 2.55 percent in Thursday morning trade, extending the previous day's weakness after the securities regulator urged investor caution, dealers said.

They said banks and steelmakers, among the biggest gainers recently, led the decline as the regulator's remarks were seen as a sign that authorities were worried about the speculative frenzy in the stock markets.

TOKYO, Oct 18, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices rose 0.83 percent in morning trade Thursday as bargain-hunters emerged after the market fell to a two-week low on jitters about the health of the global economy, dealers said.

They said the benchmark Nikkei index regained the key 17,000 points level but traders were keeping a close watch on soaring oil prices and the state of the US economy after a mixed batch of economic indicators.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares gained 141.36 points to 17,096.67 by the lunch break.

HONG KONG, Oct 17, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning session lower Wednesday, down 0.79 percent, as worries over the US economy and record high oil prices prompted investors to lock in profits, dealers said.

They said China stocks were hit harder than others, amid concerns that many were overbought in the market's recent rally.

The Hang Seng index closed the morning down 229.83 points at 28,724.72, off a low of 28,484.20 and a high of 29,019.26. Turnover was heavy at 92.83 billion Hong Kong dollars (11.97 billion US).

SHANGHAI, Oct 17, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices fell 0.67 percent in Wednesday morning trade on profit-taking after another recent record-breaking performance, dealers said.

They said the banking sector was hit by news that China's central bank had intensified its campaign to curb excessive liquidity by ordering selected smaller lenders to set aside money with the central bank as special deposits.

'The monetary policy tightening news dampened the market,' said Liao Wenkai, an analyst at Hengtai Securities.

TOKYO, Oct 17, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices fell 1.05 percent in morning trade Wednesday to slip below the key 17,000-point mark on continued concerns from the United States, dealers said.

Sentiment was hurt for the second straight session by falls on Wall Street and worries about how the banking sector will weather problems in the US mortgage sector, they said.

MUMBAI, Oct 15, 2007 (AFP) - Indian share prices surged 2.83 percent in midday trade Monday led by leading index company shares snapped up by overseas funds, dealers said.

They said further gains are possible this week as analysts expect the central bank to lower interest rates at its next quarterly policy review at the end of October.

The Mumbai stock exchange Sensex rose 522.1 points by noon to an intraday high of 18,941.14, beating its previous intraday high of 18,844.62 on Friday.

HONG KONG, Oct 15, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning session higher Monday following Wall Street's gains on Friday, which were made on the back of stronger-than-expected retail sales figures, dealers said.

They said Chinese fund managers and banks allowed to trade Hong Kong shares under the Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor (QDII) program bought shares of Chinese companies traded in the city, as they are still cheaper compared to their mainland counterparts.

SHANGHAI, Oct 15, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices rose 0.94 percent in Monday morning trade, shrugging off the government's decision to raise the required reserve ratio for the eighth time this year, dealers said.

They said banking stocks fell but quickly recovered as investors had already factored in the central bank's tightening move.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, ended the morning session up 55.70 points at 5,958.96, after hitting a new intraday high of 5,973.27, near the key psychological 6,000-points level.

TOKYO, Oct 15, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices were mixed in morning trade on Monday with the benchmark Nikkei-225 index rising 0.25 percent on signs of an improvement in the US economy, dealers said.

They said dealers took their cue from Wall Street, where US stocks posted solid gains Friday after retail sales grew by more than expected despite recent housing and mortgage market woes.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares gained 43.72 points to 17,374.89 by lunch.

HONG KONG, Oct 12, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning session sharply lower Friday, down 2.12 percent, as investors locked in profits after a series of record-breaking surges, dealers said.

They said investors used falls in prices of US-listed mainland firms such as China Mobile and a downturn on the Shanghai bourse as a cue to lock in profits after the key index broke the 29,000 points level Thursday.

Dealers also noted speculation that China's central bank may announce an interest rate hike.

SHANGHAI, Oct 12, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices fell 2.42 percent in Friday morning trade as the Shanghai bourse was hit by a wave of profit-taking after hitting a new intra-session record high, dealers said.

They said the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index saw strong resistance near the key psychological 6,000-points level after a series of record high finishes throughout this week.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index ended the morning down 142.90 points at 5,770.34 after hitting a new intraday record of 5,959.36.

TOKYO, Oct 12, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices fell 0.46 percent in morning trade on Friday as investors pocketed gains a day after the market hit the highest level for over two months, dealers said.

They said modest losses overnight on Wall Street added to the cautious mood here.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares lost 79.64 points to 17,379.34 by the lunch break.

The broader Topix index of all first-section shares dipped 11.14 points or 0.66 percent to 1,666.38.

SHANGHAI, Oct 11, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices were mixed in Thursday morning trade, as the Shenzhen bourse fell but the Shanghai market was boosted by banking and energy heavyweights, dealers said.

They said that institutional investors continued to build positions in large-caps such as China Shenhua Energy, Sinopec and banking giant ICBC.

'Large caps such as ICBC, Shenhua continued to draw interest thanks to their valuation advantages,' said Cao Yan, an analyst with Soochow Securities.

HONG KONG, Oct 11, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning sharply higher on Thursday, with the key index hitting a new all-time high during the session, dealers said.

They said China stocks continued to be boosted after Beijing expanded its qualified domestic institutional investor (QDII) program to allow more overseas investments.

The Hang Seng index closed the morning up 263.92 points or 0.92 percent at 28,833.25, off a low of 28,609.68 and a new all-time-high of 28,967.11.

TOKYO, Oct 11, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices were mixed in morning trade on Thursday as investors took to the sidelines ahead of a Bank of Japan interest rate decision, dealers said.

They said a lacklustre overnight performance by Wall Street had offset a positive start for stocks in Sony's newly listed financial arm, while a drop in domestic machinery orders was largely within expectations.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares gained 34.76 points or 0.20 percent to 17,212.65 by the lunch break.

HONG KONG, Oct 10, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning session sharply higher Wednesday as China financials got a strong boost from a fresh inflow of funds, dealers said.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang's annual policy address also provided support as it was largely in line with expectations, they added.

The Hang Seng index ended the morning up 371.5 points or 1.32 percent at 28,599.54, off a low of 28,498.33 and a high of 28,771.47. Turnover was 89.02 billion Hong Kong dollars (11.47 billion US).

SHANGHAI, Oct 10, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices rose 1.80 percent in Wednesday morning trade with banking and energy stocks gaining sharply, dealers said.

They said investors continued to favour banking stocks amid buoyant optimism that the sector is a solid long-term bet, while their stock valuations have not been run-up too high.

'The banking industry will maintain a rapid rate of growth over the long term, and their premium over corresponding H-shares is relatively low,' said Hu Yu, analyst at Chinalion Securities.

TOKYO, Oct 10, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices rose 0.34 percent in morning trade on Wednesday after Wall Street set fresh highs overnight on renewed hopes of another US interest rate cut, dealers said.

They said the minutes from the Federal Reserve's September meeting suggested the central bank may be open to more rate cuts after last month's hefty half-point reduction aimed at calming volatile financial markets.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares gained 57.63 points to 17,217.53 by the lunch break.

HONG KONG, Oct 9, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the morning flat in an erratic session Tuesday, with investors hesitant following recent gains on worries ahead of China's Communist Party Congress, dealers said.

There are expectations Beijing may make some announcements at the Congress later this month regarding the much-anticipated programme to allow mainland individuals to buy stocks in Hong Kong directly.

Officials are also expected to announce measures directed at the broader Chinese economy.

SHANGHAI, Oct 9, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices were 0.14 percent lower in Tuesday morning trade amid anxiety that stocks in the nation's red-hot markets have risen too fast, dealers said.

They said worries over a potential reversal were sparked after gains of 2.53 percent on Monday, as investors fresh from a national holiday chased sharp gains in overseas markets last week.

'The market fluctuated with some investors worrying that A-share prices were too high and vulnerable to correction,' said Zhu Liang, an analyst at Soochow Securities.

TOKYO, Oct 9, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices rose 0.92 percent in morning trade Monday as worries about the outlook for the US economy receded following last week's better-than-expected US jobs data, dealers said.

They said a softer yen boosted exporter shares as investors returned to their desks after a long weekend.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares added 157.05 points to 17,222.09 by the lunch break.

The broader Topix index of all first-section shares edged up 13.53 points or 0.82 percent to 1,670.44.

HONG KONG, Oct 8, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices finished the Monday morning session 2.12 percent higher as gains on Wall Street and Chinese bourses helped the local benchmark regain the 28,000 points level, dealers said.

They said China Mobile, HSBC and HKEx led large-caps higher, while oil counters continued to attract interest as crude prices remained above the 80 dollars a barrel level.

The Hang Seng index closed the morning up 589.24 points at 28,420.76.

SHANGHAI, Oct 8, 2007 (AFP) - Chinese share prices were sharply higher in Monday morning trade, adding 2.99 percent as they looked to catch up with gains made overseas last week, dealers said.

They said confidence after the national holiday break was bolstered by sharp gains made on the Hong Kong bourse, which jumped 689 points or 2.54 percent.

HONG KONG, Oct 5, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices closed the Friday morning session 2.4 percent higher, rebounding from a two-day fall as Wall Street's modest gains and hopes for another rate cut in the US boosted sentiment, dealers said.

They said the market's rebound also came amid fresh fund flows into the region from global investors and renewed interest in China stocks. However, they warned gains could be trimmed ahead of key US jobs data.

The Hang Seng Index traded up 634.13 points at 27,608.11, off a low of 27,203.91 and a high of 27,644.12.

TOKYO, Oct 5, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices were narrowly mixed in morning trade on Friday ahead of the release of key US economic data and a long weekend in Japan, dealers said.

They said Wall Street's lackluster performance overnight kept investors cautious ahead of a closely watched US labour market report due later Friday.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares dropped 28.70 points or 0.17 percent to 17,063.79 by the lunch break.

HONG KONG, Oct 4, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices ended Thursday's morning session 1.46 percent lower on Wall Street's overnight falls, with investors again locking in profits after a recent rally, dealers said.

They said China Mobile, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEx) and property stocks led blue chip declines, while HSBC, Hutchison Whampoa and MTR Corp helped cushion the fall.

The Hang Seng Index ended the morning down 402.44 points at 27,077.50, off a low of 26,817.79 and a high of 27,423.11. Turnover was 87.89 billion Hong Kong dollars (11.30 billion US).

TOKYO, Oct 4, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices fell 0.59 percent in morning trade on Thursday, tracking Wall Street lower as investors turned cautious ahead of a key US employment report, dealers said.

They said investors opted to take profits a day after the Tokyo market hit a two-month high.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares dropped 100.99 points to 17,098.90 by the lunch break.

The broader Topix index of all first-section shares fell 5.11 points or 0.31 percent to 1,658.90.

TOKYO, Oct 3, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices edged higher in subdued morning trading on Wednesday as investors waited for upcoming economic data after a mixed performance overnight on Wall Street, dealers said.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index of leading shares gained 8.71 points or 0.05 percent to 17,055.49, a day after reaching its highest closing level since August 9.

The broader Topix index of all first-section shares climbed 9.12 points or 0.56 percent to 1,648.91.

HONG KONG, Oct 2, 2007 (AFP) - Hong Kong share prices ended the Tuesday morning session 3.3 percent higher, with the main index crossing 28,000 points for the first time amid optimism of another interest rate cut in the US and greater fund inflows from the mainland, dealers said.

They said Wall Street's overnight gains and firmer bourses in the region also boosted market sentiment.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed the morning session 904.22 points up at 28,046.69, after touching a record intraday high of 28,110.95.

TOKYO, Oct 2, 2007 (AFP) - Japanese share prices rose 1.0 percent in morning trade on Tuesday, topping 17,000 points