Tokyo stocks close higher as semiconductor issues outperform

TOKYO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Monday as pessimism towards the semiconductor sector receded following a robust earnings report from U.S. chipmaker heavyweight last week buoying the market.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 133.65 points, or 0.62 percent, from Friday to close the day at 21,584.50.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 11.05 points, or 0.69 percent, to finish at 1,613.68.

Chemical, securities house, and oil and coal product-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.