41.   The surge pulled up bourses in Sydney, Hong Kong and Jakarta while improving sentiment in Tokyo.

42.   Trade ministry permanent secretary Heng Swee Keat said there were clear signs of improving sentiment.

43.   Market sentiment was slightly improved by problems affecting exports of the metal from Venezuela to Japan, GNI trading house said.

44.   Matsushita said the recent interest rate declines and the drop in value of the yen were expected to improve corporate sentiment and contribute to the recovery of corporate earnings.

45.   Optimism for a rebound in corporate profits and a let up in the foreign selling spree also improved sentiment.