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Japan's Nikkei ends greater as investors assess favorable US information

Japan's Nikkei share average ended higher on Monday as local financiers found convenience from current U.S. data that indicated strong business activity in the world's biggest economy.

A measure of U.S. service activity raced to a 31-month high in November, boosted by hopes for lower interest rates and more business-friendly policies from President-elect Donald Trump's. administration next year.

The Nikkei increased 1.3% to close at 38,780.14 on. Monday. The index touched an intraday high of 39,053.64,. crossing the 39,000 level for the very first time since Nov. 15.

The more comprehensive Topix gained 0.71% to 2,715.6.

Abroad elements are essential for Japanese stocks now as. we have not seen much market-moving catalysts within Japan,. stated Fumio Matsumoto, primary strategist at Okasan Securities.

Wall Street closed higher on Friday, with all 3 major. indexes posting weekly gains, following the release of the. business information.

However the gains of the Nikkei were topped on concerns about. the possible effect of the Republican President-elect Donald. Trump's policy on Japanese exporters, Matsumoto stated.

Uniqlo owner Quick Retailing leapt 3.5% to give the. biggest boost to the Nikkei index.

Shares of chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron. acquired 3.9% and tech start-up financier SoftBank Group. included 3.3%.

Keisei Electric Railway and Keikyu surged. 13.83% and 11.07%, respectively, after local media reported an. activist financier group was increasing its stakes in both. railway operators.

Chip-testing devices maker Advantest slipped 2.3%. to weigh the most in the Nikkei. Phone company KDDI. fell 1.35%.

Of the over 1,600 stocks on the Tokyo Stock market's prime. market, 45% rose, 50% fell and 4% were flat.

Of the 225 stocks in the Nikkei, 143 increased, 79 fell, and. three were trading flat.

(source: Reuters)