Tokyo stocks end mixed as exporters rise, earnings season eyed

TOKYO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed mixed Friday as the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar prompted buying of exporter issues, although some investors hit the sidelines ahead of earnings season in the United States and Japan.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 159.18 points, or 0.73 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,870.56.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, shed 1.12 points, or 0.07 percent, to finish at 1,605.40.

Information and communication issues led notable gainers, while oil and coal product and mining-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the close of play.