HONG KONG, July 20 (AFP): Asian markets were resolutely higher Monday, lifted by investor optimism over improved economic outlooks for China and the US, strong quarterly earnings reports and higher commodity prices.

HONG KONG: Up 3.70 per cent. The Hang Seng Index rose 696.71 points to 19,502.37.

The benchmark index pushed above the 19,000 level for the first time in 10 months.

SYDNEY: Up 1.24 per cent. The S&P/ASX 200 closed up 49.50 points at 4,050.3.

Stronger commodity prices helped the market register its fifth straight day of gains, dealers said.

SHANGHAI: Up 2.42 per cent. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers A and B shares, was up 77.18 points to 3,266.92

The market was led by metal and coal producers on strong international commodities prices, dealers said.

TAIPEI: Up 1.28 per cent. The weighted index rose 87.87 points to 6,938.86.

Buying was encouraged by better than expected US corporate earnings, dealers said.

SEOUL: Up 2.67 per cent. The KOSPI ended up 38.41 points at 1,478.51, the highest close since September 25.

SINGAPORE: Up 1.04 per cent. The Straits Times Index (STI) closed up 25.19 points at 2,456.15.

KUALA LUMPUR: Up 1.64 per cent. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index gained 18.35 points to 1,139.25.

Among gainers, infrastructure group Gamuda added 4.60 per cent to 3.20 ringgit and utility Tenaga was up 3.10 per cent to 8.45.

BANGKOK: Up 2.95 per cent. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index rose 17.56 points to close at 613.67 points.

Bangkok Bank rose 3.0 to 109 baht and Kasikornbank added 1.75 to 68.75.

MANILA: Up 1.33 per cent. The composite index added 33.95 points to 2,587.91.

WELLINGTON: Up 0.45 per cent. The NZX-50 index rose 12.69 points to 2,820.91.

Market leader Telecom rose two cents to 2.73 dollars and Contact Energy gained seven cents to 5.90.

Air New Zealand rose two cents to 93 cents amid media reports that a merger with Virgin Blue could make sense for the airline but was unlikely.