P506ORACLE 506 Mon27 Jan C4 1711:27  WORLD  1/2     Monday    TOKYO Prices turned firmer on selective buying, mainly of international issues, triggered by the strength of the yen. An estimated 300m shares changed hands and by the close, the 225-issue average was up 29.77 at 12,983.14 while the broader TSE index rose 4.81 to 1,041.35 HONG KONG Shares made a weak start and continued lower. There was some concern at the strength of the banking sector but dealers put most of the fall down to consolidation of recent gains. By the close, the Hang Seng index was 1.69 lower at 1,744.11. CARS * CARS * CARS * CARS * ON 496

P506ORACLE 506 Mon27 Jan C4 1703:48  WORLD  2/2     Monday    SYDNEY All Australian markets were closed for a public holiday. SINGAPORE The exchange closed higher after a session dominated by buyers, although many stayed away awaiting news of the Tan Koon Swan case to gain an indication of the market's next course. By the end, the All-Share index had gained 0.18 to finish at 226.98. JOHANNESBURG Gold shares improved on a firmer bullion price and a stronger rand. Industrials were steady. >>>>>  City headlines 500