Tokyo stocks end slightly higher on Monday

Tokyo stocks finished slightly higher Monday, helped by stock index-linked gains, while the broader Topix index of all first section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange hit a new low for the year. The Nikkei Stock Average inched up 12.76 points, or 0.15%, to close at 8,593.15, according to (Nikkei) website. Investors mostly stayed on the sidelines, due to the uncertain outlook for Europe's debt problem. But purchases of some stock index-linked products lifted the Nikkei average. Among those losing much ground were Renesas Electronics Corp. (6723), which plans share offering, and NEC Corp. (6701), which is expected to get a request from which Renesas for support in relation to the offering. Social gaming firms also fell sharply on plans to abolish controversial marketing tactics. Blue chips also slipped as investors moved to avoid risk, which pushed the Topix index below its previous year-to-date low posted May 23.