Japan Nikkei edges up, bank shares bought

TOKYO, Oct 18 (Reuters) Japan's benchmark Nikkei average opened up 0.11 percent on Thursday, buoyed by buying of bank shares such as Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, which had been sold over successive sessions earlier this week.

As of 0003 GMT the Nikkei was up by 0.2 percent or 30.71 points at 16,986.02. The broader TOPIX index was up 0.4 per cent at 1,606.00.

Both fell by more than 2 percent on Wednesday, with the Nikkei closing at a two-week low.

REUTERS CS BST0543