Japan’s Nikkei closes higher after losing 4 sessions

Japan’s Nikkei on Tuesday halted a four-session losing streak as investors returned to buy shares, buoyed by gains in Fast Retailer stock.

The Nikkei index rose 0.02 percent to 27626.51 points after falling to negative territory for moments, while the broader Topix index fell slightly by 0.11 percent to 1926.58 points.

The Nikkei was strong despite losses in European stocks last night, after the euro fell below 99 cents for the first time in 20 years, and European gas prices rose after Russia said that the main pipeline for gas supplies to Europe will remain closed.

Fast Retailer rose 0.46 percent, providing the biggest support for the Nikkei index.

Shares of Unitica rose 7.47 percent to become the best performer on the Nikkei index, even after announcing the exclusion of the textile company from the benchmark index as part of a regular adjustment.