Nikkei extends winning streak to 12th day on Wall Street's lead, hopes for earnings

TOKYO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The benchmark Nikkei stock index extended its winning streak to a 12th straight day on Wednesday, as investor sentiment was bolstered by a strong showing on Wall Street overnight and hopes for upbeat corporate earnings reports.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 26.93 points, or 0.13 percent, from Tuesday to end the day at 21,363.05.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 1.27 points, or 0.07 percent, to finish at 1,724.64.

Pharmaceutical, land transportation, and oil and coal product-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.