TOKYO, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday, as a weaker yen benefited export-related issues while recently battered chip issues were also sought.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 263.07 points, or 0.72 percent, from Thursday at 37,053.10.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 17.49 points, or 0.65 percent, higher at 2,715.85.
Stocks opened lower but losses were soon erased as export-oriented auto issues climbed on a weaker yen, while heavyweight semiconductor-related shares were also bought back after recent steep falls, analysts said.
The recovery of auto issues is expected to be short-lived amid heightened tension over U.S. tariffs, they added. ■
