Nikkei up as US rate worry eases, earnings boost Hoya

TOKYO, July 20 (Reuters) The Nikkei average rose 2.67 percent by midday on Thursday as easing worries about U.S. interest rates encouraged investors to buy issues seen as undervalued such as bank and brokerage shares, while Hoya Corp. extended gains on strong earnings.

The Nikkei rose 386.62 points to 14,886.88, adding to a 0.44 percent rise on Wednesday.

The TOPIX index jumped 3.05 percent to 1,520.38.

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