The Nikkei stock index surged over 3 percent to end at a 26-year high on Thursday, the first trading day of 2018, as solid manufacturing data from the United States and China reinforced optimism about the world economy.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 741.39 points, or 3.26 percent, from Friday at 23,506.33, its highest close since Jan. 7, 1992. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 46.26 points, or 2.55 percent, higher at 1,863.82.Tokyo markets were closed from Monday to Wednesday for the New Year holidays.The Nikkei posted the …READ FULL ARTICLE
