Tokyo stocks end higher as investors seek dividend rights

TOKYO, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday, boosted by investors buying to secure dividend rights from companies with a business year ending in December.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 342.60 points, or 0.68 percent, from Thursday to 50,750.39.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 5.08 points, or 0.15 percent, higher at 3,423.06, after hitting an intraday record high.

On the stock market, trading was relatively thin as many participants sat on the sidelines with major U.S. and European markets closed for Christmas, analysts said.

Meanwhile, stocks were supported by buying of exporter shares on a weaker yen, while shares including Fast Retailing and Softbank Group were bought following recent declines. ■