November was the best month for the Japanese Nikkei since 1994

November was the best month for the Japanese Nikkei since 1994

(Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei declined on Monday, but posted its best monthly gain in almost 27 years in November on hopes for a COVID-19 vaccine and dissipating uncertainty over the U.S. presidential election.

"The news pushed Japanese stocks higher overall ... (delivering) exceptional performance this month", - said Masahiro Ichikawa of Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management.

The Nikkei index fell to close by 0.79% to 26.433.62 points. Since the beginning of the month, it has climbed 15% - a record monthly growth since January 1994.

Broader Topix fell 1.77% to 1.754.92 on Monday, but ended November with its highest gain since April 2013.

The rally was led by shares of Sumco Corp, M3 Inc and Nexon Co Ltd, which gained 8.52%, 5.09% and 4.13%, respectively. Mitsui E was the leader in decline&S Holdings Co Ltd, Tokai Carbon Co Ltd and Daiwa House Industry Co Ltd, down 8.09%, 7.88% and 7%, respectively.

ANA Holdings plunges 0.89% after announcing plans to raise $ 3.2bn through new share placement.

SoftBank Group Corp Securities Price Increased 0.3%, Peaking Since April 2000.

(Aimee Yamamitsu. Translated by Vladimir Sadykov. Editor Anna Kozlova)