Tokyo stocks close higher on solid U.S. data, yen's softer tone

TOKYO, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday as investor sentiment was lifted by robust economic data released from the United States overnight, while a comparatively weak yen against the U.S. dollar supported the key export sector.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 187.11 points, or 0.89 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,250.09.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 16.70 points, or 1.09 percent, to finish at 1,554.25.

Oil and coal product, miscellaneous product, and information and communication-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.