TOKYO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks rose on Tuesday, driven by gains in auto and semiconductor-related shares following the rally in U.S. markets and the yen's depreciation in the foreign exchange market.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 37,780.54, up 172.05 points, or 0.46 percent from the previous day.
Buying in Nikkei index futures by overseas short-term investors led the index to surge over 500 points in the morning. However, after surpassing the 38,000 level, selling pressure capped further gains.
U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that planned tariffs on semiconductors and other specific items, initially set for announcement on April 2, might be delayed. As a result, semiconductor-related stocks such as Disco and AI data center cable supplier Fujikura gained.
A rise in U.S. interest rates pushed the yen lower to the 150-per-dollar range in Tokyo's foreign exchange market, leading to buying in automakers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
The broader Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) also rebounded, gaining 6.64 points, or 0.24 percent to close at 2,797.52.
On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, the number of advancing stocks was 1,008, while 562 declined and 67 remained unchanged. ■
