Asian markets mixed Thursday

Asian markets were mixed Thursday as trading resumed in some countries following the New Year break, AP reported. Oil stayed above $99 per barrel. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 gained 0.9 percent to 16,154.37 as the yen weakened against the dollar, giving a possible boost to exporters. China's benchmark Shanghai Composite Index shed 1.3 percent to 2,078.96. Taipei shares were up 0.3 percent at 8,490.93, and Seoul gained 0.1 percent to 2,003.66. Singapore and Manila also gained. India's Sensex gained 0.3 percent to 21,088.52. Markets in Hong Kong, Sydney and New Zealand were closed. In Europe, exchanges in Paris, London and Frankfurt also were closed. In foreign exchange markets, the dollar edged up to 104.68 yen. The euro was trading at $1.368. Crude oil for February delivery gained 29 cents to $99.51 per barrel in electronic