ASIA: Rising commodity prices prop up markets in Asia

SINGAPORE

Singapore share prices closed 0.9 percent lower in subdued year-end trading, dealers said.

The main Straits Times Index closed 31.38 points lower at 3,445.82.

KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysian share prices closed up 0.6 percent due to last-minute buying of big stocks like palm oil giant Sime Darby, dealers said.

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) closed up 9.22 points at 1,447.04.

BANGKOK

Thai share prices closed 0.71 percent higher on buying of energy-linked stocks, dealers said.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index rose 6.04 points to 858.10, while the blue-chip SET-50 index added 3.86 points to 630.73.

Over the year, the Thai index rose 178.26 points or 26.22 percent.

MUMBAI

Indian share prices closed little changed in cautious trade after the assassination of Bhutto triggered regional security concerns, dealers said.

The 30-share Mumbai stock exchange SENSEX index fell 9.77 points or 0.05 percent to 20,206.95, snapping five straight days of gains.