Tokyo stocks close higher on eased trade concerns, hopes for stimulus

TOKYO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Thursday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index ending at a four-month high, as the market mood was brightened by easing concerns over trade issues and growing expectations for global easing measures.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 161.85 points, or 0.75 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 21,759.61, marking its highest close since May 7.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 11.44 points, or 0.72 percent, at 1,595.10.

Air transportation, electric power and gas, and machinery-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.