The TOPIX stock barometer rose sharply to end Thursday at its highest level in more than 14 years as broad-based shares drew buying on overnight gains in U.S. shares, and the yen's fall against the U.S. dollar and the euro, coupled with continued optimism over Japan's economic prospects.

The Tokyo Stock Price Index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 29.62 points, or 1.70 percent, to 1,775. 67, its highest finish since Nov. 15, 1991.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 245.35 points, or 1. 42 percent, to 17,489.33, a level unseen since July 11, 2000.

Advancing issues swamped declining ones 1,297 to 320, with 77 shares ending unchanged.

Mizuho Financial Group was the most heavily traded issue by value. It rose 16,000 yen to 1,010,000 yen.

Nippon Steel was the day's volume leader, down 3 yen to 440 yen.

Trading volume on the TSE's main section came to 1,769.52 million shares against Wednesday's 2,142.46 million shares.

The TSE's Second Section index rose 19.64 points, or 0.38 percent, to 5,138.04 on a volume of 120.19 million shares. In Osaka, the near-term June Nikkei 225 index futures contract climbed 230 points to 17,510.

Source: Xinhua