Japan’s Nikkei rebounds 3.9% as investors seek relief from Mideast conflict

TOKYO – Japanese shares rose sharply on Thursday as investors sought relief after a three-day losing streak sparked by the Middle East conflict, with sentiment bolstered by Wall Street’s overnight gains.

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 3.9% to 56,356.54, as of 0026 GMT on Thursday. The broader Topix climbed 3.7% to 3,769.39.

The Nikkei fell to a one-month low on Wednesday, as part of a broader selloff in Asian equities, with investors selling risk assets amid the Middle East conflict and booking profits after record highs. The benchmark index shed 7.8% over the three sessions to Wednesday.

There were 221 advancers on the Nikkei index and four decliners.

(Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Rashmi Aich)