Nikkei books 19% gain in 2009 as yen, economy help

Japan's Nikkei average booked a 19% gain for 2009, with shares of high-tech exporters having led a rebound rally on a weaker yen and as economic stimulus measures helped turn around the world economy.

The benchmark's yearly climb followed a 42% plunge -- the biggest loss in its 58-year history -- last year when investors saw the global financial crisis take a heavy toll on risky assets including stocks.                                           

On the Tokyo stock market's final trading day of the year on Wednesday, the Nikkei ended down 0.9%, dragged down by bankruptcy worries about Japan Airlines (JAL).

The benchmark Nikkei closed at 10,546.44 after earlier rising to 10,707.51, its highest since August 31.

It has clawed back about 50 percent since hitting a 26-year closing low in March. The broader Topix slipped 0.9% to 907.59.