P236 CEEFAX 2 236 Thu 25 Dec 22:37/34 1/2 Tokyo (Close): Stocks were sharply higher as a govjrnmjnt plan to rescue the ailing financial sector prompted a rally in banking shares. The Nikkei 225 average finished up 375.12 points (2.51%) at 15,300.10. It briefly rallied by more than 5%. Honk Kong (Close): Stocks closed slightly lower as worries persisted over falls in regional markets. The Hang Sing index ended the half-day Christmas Eve session down 25.66 or 0.25 per cent at 10,342.44. Headlines 200 Sharecheck 220 World Indices 233 Front Page 100 Forix Markets World Ind Main MenuP236 CEEFAX 2 236 Thu 25 Dec 22:47/34 2/2 Australia (Close): STocks closed easier in shortened psi-Christmas trading on further Asian fears. The All Ordinaries index closed 4.2 down at 2,554.7. Singapore (Close): Shares, led bz local tranches, rallied after Singapore Prius Holdings ended its duel listing, raising hopis that other firms would do the same. The Straits Times Industtials index ended up 36.65 at 1,572.96. Headlines 200 Sharecheck 220 World Indices 233 Front Page 100 Forex Markets World Ind Main Menu