Nikkei closes above 24,000 level for 1st time in over 26 years

TOKYO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed sharply higher Tuesday with the benchmark Nikkei stock index finishing above the 24,000 level for the first time in more than 26 years as investors' risk appetite returned after the U.S. government shutdown ended.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 307.82 points, or 1.29 percent, from Monday to close the day at 24,124.15, marking its highest closing level since Nov. 14, 1991.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 19.15 points, or 1.01 percent, to finish at 1,911.07.

Real estate, precision instrument and securities-linked issues comprised notable gainers by the close of play.