TOKYO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, as a weaker yen attracted buying of export-oriented auto issues while some technology issues were lifted after U.S. tech giants released solid earnings reports.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 406.92 points, or 1.13 percent, from Wednesday at 36,452.30, up for a sixth straight session.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 12.15 points, or 0.46 percent, higher at 2,679.44.
The Japanese yen fell against the U.S. dollar in Tokyo after the Bank of Japan held its key interest rate steady and lowered its economic and inflation forecasts for the current and next fiscal years.
At 4 p.m. local time, the U.S. dollar fetched 144.59-60 yen compared with 143.00-10 yen in New York and 142.79-82 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. local time Wednesday.
On the stock market, some heavyweight semiconductor and tech shares drew buying following strong earnings from Meta Platforms Inc. and Microsoft Corp, while equities gained further momentum as export-oriented auto issues drew buying on the yen's weakness. ■
