Tokyo shares end sharply higher on weaker yen

Tokyo shares ended trading Wednesday remarkably higher on a weaker yen that prompted buying of export-led shares.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average skyrocketed 347.13 points, or 1.91 percent, from Tuesday at 18,554.28, its highest close since Sept. 9.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange jumped 27.53 points, or 1.84 percent, higher at 1,526.81.

Gainers were led by steel, nonferrous metal and electric machinery issues.

The turnover was about 2,225.8 billion yen (about 18.56 billion U.S. dollars). Endit