By TOKYO, Nov 11 Reuters Japanese shares hit a more than 29year high on Wednesday, as investors remained hopeful of a swift global economic recovery from the COVID19 pandemic on vaccinerelated developments.
The benchmark Nikkei share average rose 1.74 to 25,338.52 by the midday break, extending gains from the previous session when it hit its highest level since June 1991. On the index, there were 186 advancers against 37 decliners.
The broader Topix gained 1.34 to 1,723.65. All but two of the 33 sector subindexes on the Tokyo exchange traded higher.
U.S. stock futures edged higher in early Asian trade, also providing a tailwind to the market.
Some market participants said that the Nikkei index may extend its gains if remaining company earnings report could support the view that the economy is on its path to recovery.
Cyclical financials sector outperformed as they benefited from an overnight jump in U.S. Treasury yields, with insurers and banks up 2.49 and 2.27, respectively.
Airlines ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines, which had soared around 17 each on Tuesday on the vaccine rally, lost steam and were last down 2.27 and 3.07, respectively.
Internet service provider DeNA was among the largest percentage gainers in the index, soaring more than 14 after it posted upbeat halfyear earnings.
Regional banks gained after the Bank of Japan unveiled on Tuesday a scheme aimed at incentivising regional lenders to consolidate and help revitalise regional economies.
Concordia…
