Japan's TOPIX hits 15-yr high, steel stocks shine

TOKYO, Feb 20 (Reuters) Japan's broadest stock index, the TOPIX, rose 0.2 percent to hit its highest in 15 years on Tuesday as investors scooped up steel stocks on expectations for further consolidation in the industry.

The TOPIX was up 0.22 percent at 1,783.92 as of 0442 GMT, a level last seen in November 1991. The Nikkei share average was up 0.06 percent at 17,951.46.

REUTERS CS KN1104