Nikkei surges 3%, back to 38,000 as U.S. economy fears ease

The Nikkei stock index surged over 3 percent Friday to return to the 38,000 level for the first time in two weeks on easing concerns over the U.S. economy and a weaker yen lifting exporters.The Nikkei extended its winning streak to five days to end at its highest since Aug. 1, the start of a three-day plunge when the benchmark lost over 7,600 points due to a firm yen and fears over a possible U.S. recession.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 1,336.03 points, or 3.64 percent, from Thursday at 38,062.67. The broader Topix index finished 77.85 points, or 2.99 percent, higher at 2,678.…READ FULL ARTICLE