Japanese stocks in seldom seen upswing

TOKYO, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- A broad range of stock gains pushed Japan's Nikkei 225 index above 9,000 for the first time in nearly two months Monday.

The first trading day of the year in Japan concluded with a 2.07 percent rise in the index, which advanced for the fifth consecutive trading day, closing at 9,043.12.

The five-day advance was the first streak of that duration since last April, Kyodo News reported.

Gains were widespread with automakers gaining as the U.S. dollar regained strength, which means Japanese exports will be cheaper.

Iron and steel rose along with crude oil prices, which were elevated in New York with a production cut from petroleum exporting countries kicking in at the first of the year.

Brokers also said they were optimistic that U.S. President-elect Barack Obama would pass a economic stimulus bill, which would increase purchasing power in the critical U.S. marketplace.