Nikkei ekes out gain as tech shares recover

TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share average recovered from early losses to end slightly higher on Thursday, as investors waited for a slate of key market events in coming days, from closely watched US inflation data to a Bank of Japan policy decision.

The Nikkei finished up 0.2 percent at 65,270.95, a reversal from a 0.8 percent decline at the midday break, when traders took cues from Wall Street’s overnight declines as fighting intensified in the Middle East.

The broader Topix climbed 0.2 percent to 4,054.58.

Brent crude topped USD100 per barrel as Iran said it had attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz after the US sank five Iranian oil tankers.