Nikkei ends 2% larger on discount-shopping for, led by tech shares

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TOKYO, Dec 21 (Reuters) – Japanese equities closed sharply bigger on Tuesday, with tech heavyweights foremost the rebound from a two-day decline, as traders snapped up stocks marketed off on worries about the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

The Nikkei share typical (.N225) jumped 2.08% to near at 28,517.59, whilst the broader Topix (.TOPX) rose 1.47% to 1,969.79.

“The Japanese market place fell also considerably in the prior sessions since of problems about the affect of the Omicron variant, which is impacting the U.S. and Europe,” stated Kazuharu Konishi, head of equities at Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management.

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“But Japan so significantly has not noticed numerous infections. On prime of that, Japanese shares are reasonably cheap.”

The Nikkei fell just about 4% in the former two sessions as the Omicron variant stoked concerns about an economic slowdown globally, when hawkish moves by international central banks curbed chance appetite.

Heavyweight chip-related shares rose after Micron Technologies (MU.O) defeat sector expectations by offering stronger quarterly outcomes. browse additional

Tokyo Electron (8035.T) acquired 4.4% and Advantest rose 4.61%. Robot maker Fanuc (6954.T) climbed 2.72% and engineering trader SoftBank Team (9984.T), which has lost 10% so far this month, gained 1.1%.

Drugmakers (.IPHAM.T) rose 1.93%, with Shionogi & Co (4507.T) jumping 5.3% following a report mentioned preliminary scientific tests proposed its COVID-19 drug could do the job in opposition to Omicron infections. Daiichi Sankyo (4568.T) rose 3.36%, though Astellas Pharma (4503.T) slipped .11%.

Sporting products maker Asics (7936.T) jumped 3.59% immediately after its U.S. peer Nike (NKE.N) claimed robust earnings. study more

There were being 207 advancers on the Nikkei index towards 16 decliners.

Shinsei Financial institution Ltd (8303.T) was the worst performer on the Nikei with a fall of 1.69%, followed by Mitsubishi Components , down 1.23%, and Furukawa Electric powered (5801.T), which fell .77%.