Nikkei claws higher as steelmakers jump, earnings eyed

TOKYO Oct 13 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.4 percent on Tuesday, helped higher by exporters such as Advantest Corp (6857.T) after the S&P 500 managed a sixth consecutive day of gains, while steelmakers climbed on a brokerage ratings hike.

But gains were limited in the overall market as investors waited to see corporate earnings reports in United States and Japan, market players said. Major companies including Intel Corp (INTC.O) are due to report earnings later in the day. [SP500/WK] [RESF/US]

The Nikkei .N225 added 38.76 points by midsession to 10,055.15, after climbing 1.9 percent on Friday to its highest finish in a week.

The broader Topix .TOPX gained 0.4 percent to 901.10.

Japanese markets were closed for a national holiday on Monday. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)