Around the World's Markets: Tokyo

JAPANESE STOCKS carved out fresh gains after a pause in frantic demand for popular high-tech shares provided a springboard for a new advance. The Nikkei 225 closed 192.72 points, or 1.03 per cent, higher at 18,914.50. It briefly touched 19,002.25 but failed for the second time this week to dig in above the key 19,000 level.

"We're seeing a very good pattern in the market right now," said one trader. "These slight, periodical corrections are actually helping market sentiment."