TOKYO: Japanese stocks rose, with the Topix index poised for its highest close since November 2007, after Federal Reserve minutes from its latest meeting showed officials were split on the timing for raising U.S. interest rates.
Nissan Motor Co. added 3.2 percent after SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. raised its rating on the stock. Japan Tobacco Inc., which counts Russia as one of its biggest markets, surged 3.3 percent after the ruble strengthened to the highest per dollar this year. Elevator maker Fujitec Co.’s jumped 3.5 percent after saying it will buy us much as 8 percent of its own stock. Hulic Co. dropped 1.6 percent as the real-estate leasing company said it will sell shares to raise funds to repay debt and buy property.
The Topix climbed 0.4 percent to 1,594.62 as of 12:41 p.m. in Tokyo, rising for a third day. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 0.8 percent to 19,946.69 after closing Wednesday at a 15-year high.
