TOKYO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher on Friday, boosted by market heavyweight Fast Retailing after the retail giant released an upbeat earnings report.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 822.63 points, or 1.61 percent, from Thursday to 51939.89.
The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 29.77 points, or 0.85 percent, higher at 3,514.11.
The market was driven by a surge in shares of Fast Retailing after the Uniqlo clothing chain operator reported record earnings for the three months through November and lifted its full-year net profit forecast, analysts said.
Meanwhile, some semiconductor-related issues were bought back after recent declines, while export-linked auto issues climbed on the yen's weakness. ■