Nikkei hits 5-month closing high, Toyota rises

TOKYO, Oct 26 (Reuters) The Nikkei share average booked its highest close in five months on Thursday, gaining nearly 0.7 percent as Honda Motor Co. Ltd. rose after it lifted its earnings estimates and said it would pay a higher dividend.

Shares of Japan's largest and best-known companies continued to rise on expectations of solid earnings growth.

Those of Toyota Motor Co., the world's most profitable auto maker, set a record high for the third straight day.

The Nikkei rose 0.67 percent, or 112.30 points to 16,811.60, its highest close since May 11. The broader TOPIX index advanced 0.68 percent to 1,664.59.

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