Nikkei tops 14,000, first time in two months

TOKYO, April 28 (Reuters) - Japan's benchmark Nikkei average cleared 14,000 on Monday for the first time in two months, with banks such as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (8306.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) surging on a growing sense that the worst of the credit crunch is over.

As of 0126 GMT, the Nikkei .N225 was up 1 percent at 13,999.82 after rising as high as 14,003.28, breaking above 14,000 for the first time since Feb. 27.

The broader TOPIX index rose 2.2 percent to 1,369.13. (Reporting by Elaine Lies)