Asian stocks: The Nikkei gained 183.56 points (2.07%) to 9,043.12. The Australian S&P/Asx fell 26.80 points (0.72%) to 3,687.00.
Crude oil traded on a very low volume in the Asian trading hours. Crude oil for January delivery fell $0.50 to $46.90.
Gold bounced again from the $880 resistance area. Bullion for immediate delivery lost $8.90 to $873.30.