Nikkei ends 10.5-month high on strong U.S. stocks, weaker yen

Tokyo shares closed higher Thursday, with the Nikkei index ending at a roughly 10-and-a-half-month high on strong U.S. stocks overnight and the yen's depreciation against the U.S. dollar.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 170.47 points, or 0.94 percent from Tuesday at 18,333.41. Tokyo markets were closed on Wednesday for a national holiday.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange finished 12.46 points, or 0.86 percent, higher at 1,459.96.

Gainers were led by iron and steel, transportation equipment and real estate issues.

The day's turnover was around 2,618.3 billion yen (23.23 billion U.S. dollars). Endit