RTRS: Nikkei inches to 2-wk closing high, metals shares up
TOKYO, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average inched up 0.4 percent on Wednesday to a two-week closing high, with short-covering buoying the market as the yen fell against the dollar while metals shares rose after gold hit a record high.
But silicon wafer maker Sumco Corp (3436.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) plunged nearly 9 percent after it swung to an operating loss.
The benchmark Nikkei .N225 gained 36.74 points to 9,608.94, its highest close since Nov. 18. The broader Topix .TOPX rose 0.1 percent to 858.74. (Reporting by Elaine Lies) ((elaine.lies@thomsonreuters.com; +81 3 6441 1807; Reuters Messaging:elaine.lies.reuters.com@reuters.net)) ((Multimedia versions of Reuters Top News are now available for: * 3000 Xtra : visit topnews.session.rservices.com * BridgeStation: view story .134 * Reuters Plus: from your WebDSS screen For more information on Top News, visit topnews.reuters.com))
