Tech stocks buoy Asian markets

Australian share prices closed 0.82 percent higher as bargain hunters moved in to snap up stocks hit by losses in recent sessions, dealers said.

The benchmark SP/ASX 200 closed up 33.6 points at 4,130.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index ended up 29.7 points at 4,116.4.

Singapore share prices closed 0.81 percent lower led by blue-chip stocks as concerns over high oil prices dampened sentiment, dealers said.

The Straits Times Index fell 17.51 points to 2,135.08.

Malaysian share prices closed flat as investors stayed on the sidelines in the absence of a fresh lead, dealers said.

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) was down 0.13 points or 0.01 percent at 903.51.

"Extended buying from yesterday and an overnight Wall Street gain have resulted in some mild buying of blue chips," a local brokerage dealer said.

Thai share prices closed 0.43 percent higher, led by strong buying in energy blue chips amid enthusiasm over dividends and earnings, analysts said.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index gained 3.15 points to close at 740.04 points and the blue-chip SET 50 index was up 0.20 points at 51.93.

Philippine stock markets were closed on Friday for a public holiday.