TOKYO, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Wednesday, as declines in crude oil prices to about a three-month low supported a wide range of buying.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 497.75 points, or 0.72 percent, from Tuesday at 69,902.25, after hitting an intraday high of 70,125.75.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 22.09 points, or 0.55 percent, higher at 4,013.23, closing above the 4,000 line for the first time.
On the stock market, sentiment was boosted as West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures fell to 70 U.S. dollars a barrel, supporting the buying of stocks across the board.
Stocks picked up their momentum in the afternoon as shares related to artificial intelligence and semiconductors extended their gains, analysts said. ■
