Japan's Nikkei index regains 1991 level as investors hunt bargains

TOKYO -- Investors anticipating recovery from the coronavirus pandemic are scenting bargains in Japan -- propelling the country's stock market to levels last recorded almost three decades ago.

The blue-chip Nikkei Stock Average index has soared, jumping over 2,500 points, or 11%, since the end of October. Last week it touched 26,014, a level not seen since May 1991, after the collapse of Japan's asset price bubble.