TOKYO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher on Friday, lifted by dividend-driven buying and advances in artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related shares.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, rose 850.21 points, or 1.30 percent, from Thursday to 66,364.20.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 53.29 points, or 1.31 percent, higher at 4,128.59.
On the top-tier Prime Market, bank, securities house and electric appliance issues were notable gainers.
Analysts said buying spread across a broad range of sectors as investors moved to secure dividend rights ahead of Monday, the final day to qualify for dividends.
AI- and chip-related shares led the advances as investors caught up with Wall Street gains posted during the Tokyo market's holiday closure from Monday through Wednesday.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond climbed to 3.115 percent at one stage, its highest level since August 1996, amid speculation over further U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes. Rising bond yields sent financial-sector shares higher. ■
