Japan's key Nikkei stock index jumped more than 440 points to just below the 15,000 line Thursday as U.S. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke's congressional testimony boosted hopes for an early pause in the rate hike cycle in the United States.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 446.58 points, or 3.08 percent, to 14,946.84.

The Tokyo Stock Price Index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 53.17 points, or 3.60 percent, to 1,528. 59.

Softbank was the most heavily traded issue by value. It rose 195 yen to 2,095 yen.

Consumer and business loan company Nissin was the day's volume leader, up 5 yen to 65 yen.

Winners swamped losers 1,642 to 38, with 13 shares ending unchanged.

Trading volume on the TSE's main section came to 1,680.61 million shares against Wednesday's 1,841.17 million shares.

The TSE's Second Section index gained 104.21 points, or 2.62 percent, to 4,080.39 on a volume of 58.74 million shares. In Osaka, the near-term September Nikkei 225 index futures contract gained 420 points to 14,950.

Source: Xinhua