Nikkei gains as big banks surge, exporters up

Tokyo, May 23: The Nikkei average gained 0.41 percent on Wednesday as shares of Japan's three largest banks extended gains on expected higher profits this year.

Shares of Advantest Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and other exporters gained on a weaker yen.

The Nikkei was up 71.69 points at 17,751.74 by the close of morning trade. The broader TOPIX index was up 0.78 percent at 1,745.01.

Reuters>