TOKYO, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average hit a new nine-month peak on Tuesday, extending gains for a third straight day, as investors pile into riskier assets in developed economies on hopes for a steady economic recovery.
The benchmark Nikkei was up 0.5 percent or 50.15 points at 10,643.25 after rising as high as 10,647.59, the benchmark's highest level since May 6.
The broader Topix added 0.5 percent to 945.03. (Reporting by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Michael Watson)