Tokyo stocks close higher in choppy trade on tech buybacks, Fed policy hopes

TOKYO, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher on Friday in choppy trade as investors bought back technology issues oversold the previous day, with sentiment brightened by expectations the U.S. Federal Reserve may pause its monetary tightening policy.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 177.06 points, or 0.82 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,678.68.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 9.85 points, or 0.61 percent, higher at 1,620.45.

Retail, land transportation, and service-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.