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| - Tokyo stocks reversed earlier losses and ended higher Wednesday thanks to bargain hunting, with relative calm despite concerns about the spread of a new SARS-like virus. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index added 0.70 percent, or 166.79 points, to 24,031.35, while the broader Topix index rose 0.53 percent, or 9.16 points, to 1,744.13. The market started in the negative territory losses in Wall Street fuelled by worries about the further spread of the new coronavirus to the United States. The infection is beginning to spread just as the world's most populous nation prepares for the lunar new year holiday that sees millions travel. The issue had weighed on the market, but investors are regaining their composure, analysts said. "The Nikkei index began the session a bit lower, but considering (the virus concern) has already been digested, it quickly emerged into positive territory," SMBC Nikko Securities said in a note. "After that, it expanded its gains, as did US stock index futures, along with Chinese shares," it said. Gains in other Asian markets also helped Tokyo, Okasan Online Securities said. "Investors were encouraged by the gains in Hong Kong shares and the yen's slide, bringing the Nikkei index to 24,000," Okasan said. "Investors bought back after they sold too much yesterday," it said. The dollar stood at 110.03 yen in Tokyo, compared with 109.83 yen in New York on Tuesday. Among major shares, SoftBank Group added 0.18 percent to 4,884 yen, Nintendo rose 0.49 percent to 43,320 yen and ANA Holdings gained 0.20 percent to 3,584. But Mitsubishi Motors lost 4.19 percent to 435 yen after its facilities were raided by German investigators as part of a probe into suspected diesel emissions cheating. Auto parts maker Denso, which has also been contacted by German authorities, fell 1.64 percent to 4,921 yen. Toyota fell 0.39 percent to 7,823 yen, while Honda shed earlier gains to end 0.10 percent lower at 3,030 yen, after the two firms announced they were recalling several million vehicles globally over two different issues related to Takata airbags. hih/sah/dan
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