TOKYO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday, lifted by firm semiconductor issues amid a decline in Japanese long-term interest rates.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 174.60 points, or 0.47 percent, from Thursday at 37,160.47.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 18.43 points, or 0.68 percent, higher at 2,735.52.
The U.S. dollar weakened to the lower 143 yen level in Tokyo amid concerns over deteriorating U.S. fiscal health due to the tax cut plan, analysts said.
Stocks advanced as semiconductor-related issues tracked overnight gains by the tech-heavy U.S. Nasdaq index, while the yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond fell following declines in U.S. Treasury yields.
However, gains were trimmed by the selling of some export-oriented machinery and electronics issues on a stronger yen. ■
