Tokyo stocks close higher on US and EU gains

Tokyo stocks rose Wednesday, with the Nikkei Stock Average hitting its highest point in four years and five months, following overnight gains in the US and Europe. The benchmark index ended the day up 95.94, or 0.84%, at 11,468, hitting a 2012-’13 high for the first time in two weeks. The index reached its highest point since Sept. 29, 2008, when it hit 11,743.61, according to (Nikkei) website. The Dow Jones industrial average reached its highest point in more than five years overnight, supported by investor hopes for an economic recovery in Europe. Retail investors unloaded their shareholdings, while overseas players also provided support. The trading value on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s first section hit 1.854 trillion yen on a preliminary basis.