Japan's Nikkei jumps 6%, rebounds from 1-1/2-year low on US tech boost

TOKYO, April 8 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average rose 6% on Tuesday in a widespread rally, rebounding from a 1-1/2-year low hit in the previous session, as local traders assessed strong performances of U.S. technology stocks.

As of 0020 GMT, the Nikkei index .N225 was up 5.9% at 32,959.59. The broader Topix .TOPX traded 6.14% higher at 2,428.64.

The S&P 500 and the Dow closed lower, but the technolog-heavy Nasdaq posted marginal gains on Monday after a roller coaster session, with investors worried about an economic slowdown and rising inflation as U.S. President Donald Trump dug in his heels on tariffs, warning he could further increase levies on China. .N

In Japan, chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron 8035.T jumped 8.85% and chip-testing equipment maker Advantest 6857.T surged 11%.

Bank shares also advanced, with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 8306.T surging 12% and Mizuho Financial Group 8411.T up 13%.

All 33 industry sub-indexes of the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw gains, with the banking index .IBNKS.T leading the charge, soaring 11% to become the top performer.