Asian Market Roundup Mar 31

China

Chinese shares closed low Thursday with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index down 27.66 points, or 0.94 percent, to 2,928.11.

The Shenzhen Component Index declined 98.32 points, or 0.78 percent, to 12,562.9.

Japan

Tokyo stocks rose Thursday with the key Nikkei index climbing 0.48 percent.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Average advanced 46.31 points from Wednesday to 9,755.10. The broader Topix index was up 3.29 points, or 0.38 percent, to 869.38.

Australia

The Australian share market finished high Thursday with weaker energy stocks and strength in BHP Billiton dominating the session.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was 15.7 points higher, or 0.33 percent, at 4837.9 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index had risen 15.9 points, or 0.32 percent, to 4928.6.