The All Share Mibtel index closed at 26,710 points, up 110 or 0.41 percent. TOKYO - Japan's Nikkei average rose 1.62 percent as news of a big land deal sparked a rally in property shares such as Mitsui Fudosan and optimism over Japan's economic recovery sent retailers higher. The benchmark Nikkei rose 249.78 points to 15,641.26 points, up 155.05 or 1.24 percent. HONG KONG - Hong Kong stocks ended marginally easier, following a softer close in the U.S., with profit taking after recent gains weighing on prices. The benchmark Hang Seng index lost 0.09 percent, or 13.72 points, to end at 15,169.17. SYDNEY - Australian shares rose to a new closing high led by gains in Telstra and mining stocks, with investors betting on China-led demand for metals to spill into the New Year. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 16.9 points, or 0.36 percent, to end at 4,672.3. JOHANNESBURG - Gold stocks and oil firm Sasol dragged the South African bourse off its peak in the face of a stronger rand currency and lower prices for their products. The All-share index closed at 17,761.64 points, down 108.21 or 0.61 percent. The All Gold index closed at 2,415.24 points, down 74.22 or 2.98 percent, while the Industrial index closed at 12,660.49 points, down 27.95 or 0.22 percent.
