Asian markets extend gains, Japan's Nikkei nears 50,000-level

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian markets advanced on Tuesday, with Japan’s benchmark approaching the symbolically important 50,000 level for the first time as conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi was poised to become the country’s first female prime minister. The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo was up 0.8% at 49,595.72 as …