Tokyo stocks rise as concern eases over US tariff

Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday for a fourth straight day, with the Nikkei closing above the 40,000 line for the first time since January, as concern over hefty U.S. tariffs eased.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 566.21 points, or 1.43 percent, from Thursday at 40,150.79, its highest level since Dec. 27.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 35.85 points, or 1.28 percent, higher at 2,840.54.

The Nikkei index briefly climbed over 600 points after the U.S. administration said Thursday that President Donald Trump could extend a 90-day pause on so-called reciprocal tariffs set to expire July 9, analysts said.

Investors also welcomed the easing of tensions in the Middle East, as the cease-fire agreed earlier in the week by Israel and Iran appeared to be holding.