Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

JAPANESE SHARES rebounded more than 2 per cent, as a sharp drop the previous day triggered bargain-hunting. The Nikkei 225 index gained 365.92 points - 2.10 per cent - to close at 17,802.48.

"I see levels below 17,500 as attractive for bargain-hunting," said one trader.

The dollar's slide to a seven-month low of 109.04 yen overnight had a limited impact on stocks amid speculation that a further decline may be checked by central bank intervention.