Japan's Nikkei average jumps 2% as domestic investors buy stocks
TOKYO -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei Stock Average jumped on Thursday as the market realized that individuals' interest in buying stocks through a revamped tax-free program is stronger than expected.
The average closed at 39,773.14, up 321.29, or 0.81%, from Wednesday's closing. It was up 791.47, or 2.01%, at one point, but gradually trimmed its gain.