Japan's key stock index surges on tech issues

Alsharq Tribune-Otaify 

Japan's key Nikkei stock index closed Wednesday at a record high of above 51,000, driven by strong technology shares after chip sector heavyweight Advantest Corp. raised its earnings outlook.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 1,088.47 points, or 2.17 percent, from Tuesday to 51,307.65.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 7.63 points, or 0.23 percent, lower at 3,278.24.

The Nikkei index surged after semiconductor testing equipment maker Advantest rallied following a robust earnings report that its net profit in the April-September period more than doubled from a year earlier, analysts said.

Meanwhile, the Topix index fell as shares were widely sold with investors locking in gains after recent advances and remaining cautious before monetary policy meetings of U.S. and Japanese central banks.