Nikkei rises to 4-month closing high

Japan's Nikkei average rose 1

Japan's Nikkei average rose 1.7 per cent to its highest close in nearly four months on Friday as Fujitsu surged after its annual outlook beat analysts' estimates, while a weaker yen and receding worries about the global economy boosted exporters.

The benchmark Nikkei climbed 149.11 points to 8,977.37, its highest finish since Jan. 7. That followed a 3.9 per cent jump the previous day.

In April, the Nikkei climbed 8.9 per cent, its biggest monthly gain in a year, helped by receding fears about the financial system and the global economy.

Today, the broader Topix gained 1.1 per cent to 846.85.