Japan’s Nikkei closes near a one-week high

Japan’s Nikkei index rose to close near its highest level in a week on Thursday after data showed that US inflation remains sluggish and the downward trend reinforced expectations that the US central bank will keep interest rates unchanged next week.

The Nikkei rose 1.41 percent to 33,168.10 points, reaching the highest closing level since September 6 and achieving the highest daily gain since August 28, and the broader Topix index increased 1.13 percent to 2,405.57 points.

Uniqlo, which owns the Fast Retailing chain, rose 2.96 percent, giving the Nikkei index the biggest boost.

Tokyo Electron shares, which manufacture equipment for making electronic chips, increased 3.03 percent, and Advantest shares rose 2.02 percent.

Torikizuku Holdings shares jumped 8.96 percent after the company that owns the restaurant chain issued positive forecasts for the full year.

In contrast, HIS shares fell 7.17 percent, although the travel and tourism company reduced its losses. The company incurred a net loss of 5.6 billion yen ($38.06 million) in the nine months to July, compared with losses of 33.26 billion yen a year ago.