TOKYO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, boosted by strong technology issues amid hopes for increased artificial intelligence-related demand.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 845.45 points, or 1.77 percent, from Wednesday to close at 48,580.44, finishing above the 48,000 line for the first time.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 22.11 points, or 0.68 percent, higher at 3,257.77, ending at a record high for a fourth straight day.
Stocks rose sharply as heavyweight semiconductor and AI-related shares attracted buying after the U.S. Nasdaq index ended at a record high overnight, analysts said.
The market was also lifted by buying of some exporter shares on the yen's weakness. The U.S. dollar remained firm mostly in the upper 152 yen range in Tokyo. ■
