TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index closing at another record high, supported by gains in heavyweight technology shares tracking advances in U.S. counterparts.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 575.95 points, or 0.97 percent, from Thursday at 59,716.18. The broader Topix index finished 0.21 points higher at 3,716.59.
On the top-tier Prime Market, the main gainers were mining, marine transportation, and glass and ceramics product issues.
Semiconductor-related shares helped lift the Nikkei, tracking their U.S. peers amid optimism over earnings prospects for artificial intelligence-related businesses.
Meanwhile, the Topix index moved narrowly around the previous day's closing level. ■
