TOKYO, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei index hit a
two-month high on Friday, led by Tokyo Electron and other growth
stocks, tracking gains in Wall Street as signs of slowing
inflation sparked speculation the U.S. central bank might become
less aggressive with rate hikes.
The Nikkei rose 2.75% to 28,300.75 by the midday
break, in what would be the biggest daily gain since Oct. 14.
The index rose as high as 28,328.14, its strongest since Sept.
13.
The index gained 3.6% so far this week and is poised for a
third straight weekly gain.
The broader Topix climbed nearly 2% to 1,973.52 and
was set to gain 3% for the week.
U.S. stocks jumped overnight as cooler-than-expected
inflation data suggested the Federal Reserve's barrage of
interest rate hikes are beginning to have their intended
effect.
All three major U.S. stock indexes notched their biggest
one-day percentage gains in about 2-1/2 years in a broad, robust
rally.
"The fact that the growth rate of U.S. inflation was lower
than expectations had boosted Wall Street, and that raised
sentiment for Japanese market," said Takatoshi Itoshima,
strategist at Pictet Asset Management Japan.
"Investors made a bet on Tokyo Electron, which disclosed
weak outlook. This is a typical example that investors are
looking for something beyond the ongoing business year."
Chip equipment maker Tokyo Electron jumped 9.09%
and provided the biggest boost to the Nikkei, despite cutting
its annual profit forecast. Peer Advantest climbed
9.06%.
Uniqlo brand owner Fast Retailing rose 2.25% and
air-conditioner maker Daikin Industries climbed 6.02%.
Bucking the trend, Nikon tanked 8.64% to become the
biggest loser in the Nikkei after the camera maker posted a
lower half-year net profit.
(Reporting by Junko Fujita; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)