[TOKYO] Japanese stocks extended gains to a sixth session Wednesday after the Bank of Japan decided to hold fire on fresh stimulus measures despite sluggish growth and stagnant prices.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange advanced 0.75 per cent, or 136.88 points, to 18,322.98, while the broader Topix index of all first-section shares rose 1.17 per cent, or 17.33 points, to 1,493.17.

AFP