The Japan Thread

BEIJING (AFX) - Share prices across the Asia-Pacific region ended mostly
higher with Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index buoyed by bargain-hunting, after
dropping 600 points over the previous three trading days, dealers said.
Analysts noted that investors took heart from foreigners having placed
pre-opening net buy orders for the first time in three trading sessions.
The blue-chip Nikkei 225-Stock Average ended up 218.41 points or 1.4 pct at
15,391.48, its session high.
The broader TOPIX of all First Section shares edged up 8.46 points or 0.5
pct to 1,589.24, also its session high.
"The Nikkei made a technical rebound after the blue-chip market had fallen
sharply last week. Some exporters got a lift as the dollar stabilized above 116
yen (in Asian afternoon trading)," said Koichi Ogawa, chief fund manager at
Daiwa SB Investments.
But Shinko Securities senior strategist at Yutaka Miura said the market was
illiquid with fewer investors willing to buy aggressively before the Christmas
holidays.