Nikkei edges higher as Nikon gains ground

Tokyo, July 3: Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.30 per cent on Tuesday as investors bought exporters such as Nikon Corp.

after U.S. manufacturing data rose to its highest in more than a year, boosting confidence in a key market for Japanese goods.

Nippon Mining Holdings Inc. and other metal stocks advanced following a rise in base and precious metals prices.

The Nikkei finished the morning up 54.83 points at 18,201.13 after earlier hitting its highest level since June 21.

The broader TOPIX index rose 0.15 percent to 1,783.03.

Reuters>