Japanese shares surge 4.55% to six-month high

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TOKYO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Nikkei index soared 4.55 percent to a six-month closing high of nearly 9,400 after a three-day holiday when global markets rallied.

The benchmark Nikkei-225 index rose 408.33 points, or 4.55 percent, from Friday to 9,385.70, marking a new closing high since Nov. 5.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 39.08 points, or 4.61 percent, to 885.93.

Tokyo stocks gained momentum from the New York and other Asian markets which had risen for several consecutive trading days during Japan's Golden Week holidays.

Stocks rose across the board, with financial stocks leading the surge. Insurance, banking and securities issues were among the most notable gainers following the strong performance of their U.S. counterparts.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, the day's value leader, was up 84 yen, or almost 16 percent, to 617 yen, while Mizuho Financial Group, the day's volume leader, gained 25 yen, or 12 percent, to 232 yen.

Trading volume on the main section came to 3,109.02 million shares, up remarkably from Friday's 2,247.50 million.

The TSE's Second Section index rose 28.96 points, or 1.52 percent, to 1,928.83 on a volume of 38.24 million shares. On the Osaka Securities Exchange, the near-term June Nikkei 225 index futures contract was up 340 points to 9,370.