Nikkei jumps on growing hopes for U.S. recovery

TOKYO, July 24 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average climbed 1.3 percent on Friday, buoyed by growing optimism about a U.S. economic recovery after strong corporate earnings and a rebound in U.S. home sales sent the Dow to its highest since January.

Electronics maker Sony Corp (6758.T) rose 2.2 percent and Sharp Corp (6753.T) was overwhelmed with buy orders after the Nikkei business daily said Sony will likely invest more than 100 billion yen ($1.1 billion) in a liquid crystal display TV panel venture to be formed with Sharp [ID:nBNG541429] The benchmark Nikkei .N225 gained 126.19 points to 9,919.13, while the broader Topix .TOPX rose 1.3 percent to 920.61. (Reporting by Elaine Lies)