Tokyo shares end higher by break on ECB easing

Tokyo shares ended the morning session higher Friday as sentiment here was lifted by the monetary easing decision made by the European Central Bank.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 144.78 points, or 0. 84 percent, from Thursday to 17,473.80.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 10.30 points, or 0.74 percent, at 1, 399.73.

Gainers were led by insurance, steel and iron, and nonferrous metal issues. Endi