1.   But beyond that point, the Nikkei average should be supported by hopes for looser monetary policy by the Bank of Japan, he said.

2.   In Tokyo, the Nikkei stock average was supported by a late rally in futures which pulled prices off earlier declines, brokers said.

3.   In Tokyo, the Nikkei stock average was supported by a late rally in futures.

4.   In Tokyo, the Nikkei stock average was supported by light bargain-hunting by institutional investors.

5.   In Tokyo, the Nikkei stock average was supported by futures-led buying and bargain hunting by institutional investors, brokers said.

6.   In Tokyo, the Nikkei stock average was supported by high bidding at a central Tokyo land auction the previous day, brokers said.