Tokyo stocks close higher after U.S., Hong Kong shares gain

TOKYO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Monday as the market mood was lifted by U.S. and Hong Kong shares advancing.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 113.44 points, or 0.49 percent, from Friday to close the day at 23,416.76.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 4.05 points, or 0.24 percent, to finish at 1,700.72.

Pharmaceutical, precision instrument, and information and communication-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.