Really not a bad way to end the trading week ahead of a four-day weekend. The Nikkei 225 recovered most of yesterday’s losses, gaining 119.94 (+0.69%) to 17,394.92 (range: 17,227 - 17,441). TOPIX 1st Section rallied 10.97 points, or 0.65% to 1,704.22 (range: 1,686.84 - 1,707.05), reclaiming 1,700. Advancers outnumbered decliners 1,001 x 593 (132 unchanged), as 26 of 33 sectors posted gains. And look at the JASDAQ, up again, +0.43 (0.53%) to 81.88 (range: 81.32 - 81.88) — making gains seven of the past eight sessions. TOPIX 2nd Section extended its rally to four days. The yen meanwhile, is trading at/near all-time record lows against the euro and flirting with 120 against the dollar. Auto stocks struggled despite the favorable currency rates due to weak April sales in the U.S.