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Nikkei finished at 3-week high after Fed chief hints at more rate cuts to come. MOREINFO: Steel, banking and shipping among the top performers. SCRIPT: Asia stocks ended the week on an upbeat note with investors pricing in a U.S. rate cut in the coming month. The head of the U.S. federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, said the Fed would have to remain exceptionally alert and flexible due to a resurgence of financial strains. Japan's Nikkei closed 1.1 percent (15,681), ending the session at 3 week highs. Shipping stocks steamed ahead on expectations for a strong trade in commodities around the globe. But China stocks stayed out of the overall Asia rally, falling nearly two percent in morning trade alone. A drop in Shanghai index heavyweight PetroChina helped to pull the index lower. Investors also kept an eye on news that a China property tycoon was sentenced to 16 years in jail on corruption charges. Zhou Zhengyi was a snack bar owner who rose to be named China's 11th richest man. He was found guilty of 5 charges including misappropriation of funds, bribery and forging VAT receipts. Tara Joseph-Hui Reuters, Hong Kong. COMPANIES MENTIONED: SYMBOLS: