______of the Asian markets mentioned in the news closed higher for the week.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index continued its rise this week after a short-lived correction in early February. The main share index was up more than three percent for the week, closing Friday at 13, 739. Taiwan’s Taiex reached a fresh 40-month high on Friday. It gained three percent for the week, ending at 6, 549. Traders said the strong performance in property shares drove the gains in financial stocks. Traditionally, banks and other lenders benefit when there is enthusiasm for real estate.
    Tokyo’s Nikkei index also closed higher on Friday, adding about one percent for the week to finish Friday at 10, 557. Japanese real estate and banking shares were generally trading higher.
    South Korean investors turned their attention to strong earnings results from some market leaders this week. Seoul’s Kospi index ended the week 3. 7 percent higher at 882.