Japan's key Nikkei stock index rose sharply to end above 16,000 Wednesday as tame U.S. inflation data firmed expectations the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average was up 255.17 points, or 1. 61 percent, to end at 16,071.36, closing above 16,000 for the first time since May 19.

The Tokyo Stock Price Index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange gained 24.61 points, or 1.53 percent, to 1. 629.73, its highest close also since May 19.

Winning issues outpaced losing ones 1,434 to 191, with 69 shares ending unchanged.

Softbank was the most heavily traded issue by value, rising 60 yen to 2,405 yen.

Financing company Nissin was the day's volume leader, up 3 yen to 81 yen.

Trading volume on the TSE's main section came to 1,818.39 million shares against Tuesday's 1,630.53 million.

The TSE's Second Section index rose 60.99 points, or 1.44 percent, to 4,292.73 on a volume of 101.53 million shares. In Osaka, the near-term September Nikkei 225 index futures contract climbed 190 points to 16,060.

Source: Xinhua