By Stanley White
TOKYO, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Japanese shares rose on Monday
following robust U.S. jobs data, although gains were limited on
concerns about Chinese economy and as the deadline for U.S.
tariffs on Chinese goods nears.
The Nikkei 225 index .N225 rose 0.24% to 23,410.68 by 0147
GMT, with consumer discretionary and industrial sectors leading
gains. The benchmark is up for a third straight session.
Data on Friday showed the U.S. economy created the most new
jobs in 10 months and the jobless rate fell to the lowest in
nearly half a century. However, investors were cautious after China's exports fell
for a fourth consecutive month in November as tariffs already
put in place took their toll. The focus shifts to the Dec. 15 deadline when U.S. tariffs
on Chinese goods take effect, unless the two sides reach a
compromise. Remarks around this issue could cause financial
markets to swing wildly.
The largest percentage gainers on the benchmark index were
industrial machinery maker IHI Corp 7013.T , up 3.17%, followed
by oil suppliers Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd 5019.T and Inpex Corp
1605.T , which rose 2.99% and 2.72%, respectively.
Among the largest percentage losers were pharmaceutical firm
Daiichi Sankyo Co Ltd 4568.T , down 1.82%, followed by medical
supplies maker Terumo Corp 4543.T , which shed 1.77%, and
property developer Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd 8801.T , down 1.76%.
There were 163 advancers on the Nikkei index against 55
decliners.
The broader Topix .TOPX rose 0.26% to 1,717.84,
The volume of shares traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's
main board .TOPX was 0.46 billion, compared to the average of
1.25 billion in the past 30 days.