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"There are more positive signs particularly on employment"
- Stephen Halmarick, head of markets research at Colonial First State Global Asset Management
Japanese stocks closed higher for a second consecutive day on Wednesday as strong U.S. employment data boosted the earning outlook for exporters.
The Nikkei 225 rose 0.30%, or 25.62 points, to 8,447.88, while the broader Topix gained 0.21%, or 1.54, to 733.47.
"There are more positive signs particularly on employment" and consumer spending in the U.S., said Stephen Halmarick, Sydney-based head of markets research at Colonial First State Global Asset Management, which oversees about $150 billion.
"The outlook in the U.S. is for modest growth this year, and that's better than Europe. Expectations are Europe will be in a recession."