Nikkei rises as brokerages climb; Resona stumbles

TOKYO, Mar 15 (Reuters) The Nikkei average finished up 0.50 per cent on Wednesday, as shares of Nomura Holdings Inc. and other brokerages that have increased their dividend forecasts advanced, and after U.S. stocks climbed sharply.

But gains were capped as shares in banks declined following a brokerage downgrade of Resona Holdings Inc., the country's fourth-largest lender.

The Nikkei finished up 80.68 points at 16,319.04.

The broader TOPIX index ended up just 0.06 percent at 1,666.78.

REUTERS SB RK1205