TOKYO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher on Friday, supported by favorable earnings results from major trading companies and buybacks following recent declines.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 228.20 points, or 0.38 percent, from Thursday at 59,513.12.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 1.52 points, or 0.04 percent, higher at 3,728.73.
On the top-tier Prime Market, air transportation, wholesale trade, and land transportation issues were notable gainers.
The Nikkei stock index was lifted by gains in heavyweight technology shares, tracking overnight advances on Wall Street following upbeat earnings from leading technology companies.
However, stocks were pressured before the close as investors adjusted positions ahead of a five-day holiday. ■
