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"Japan's markets suffered from multiple negative factors that other countries didn't face, such as the earthquake and the yen's strength"
- Takashi Aoki, fund manager at Mizuho Asset Management Co.
Japanese stocks gained on Friday led by signals the U.S. economy is recovering. The Nikkei 225 advanced 0.67%, or 56.46 points, to 8,455.35, while the broader Topix grew 0.90%, or 6.49, to 728.61.
"Japan's markets suffered from multiple negative factors that other countries didn't face, such as the earthquake and the yen's strength," said Takashi Aoki, fund manager at Tokyo-based Mizuho Asset Management Co. "Next year, the markets are likely to rebound."
"Investors increasingly feel the U.S. economy is firmer than they had expected," said Toshiyuki Kanayama, a market analyst at Tokyo-based Monex Inc. "The economic data is looking good and that will boost stock markets, especially when concern about Europe's debt issues aren't in the forefront."