Japan stock market week to Nov 14

Tokyo extended gains in the week ended May 5 (three trading days only because April 29 and May 5 were national holidays in Japan). The Nikkei  225 finished 1.1% higher, to close at the 14,000 level, a four-month  high, while the Topix index rose 1.2%. Investors were encouraged by the  weaker yen against the US dollar and the solid performance of New York  markets with the recognition that interest cuts by the Federal Reserve  Board are likely to pause in the near term. High technology issues and  financial stocks drew buying attention. However, the overall market was  rather directionless because of the string of "Golden Week" holidays and  forthcoming earnings reports after these. The pharmaceutical index  inched up 0.3%, underperforming the market.