Wall Street gains support Nikkei index in Tokyo

Japan’s Nikkei index achieved gains on Friday, as shares of companies related to the chip industry tracked gains recorded on Wall Street on Thursday night, but the rise was limited as investors awaited US jobs data to obtain indications about the Federal Reserve’s path regarding interest rates.

According to Reuters, the Nikkei recorded an increase of 0.41% to 36,158.02 points. It had risen as much as 1.1% earlier in the session.

The index also achieved a weekly gain of 1.14%.

The closely watched non-farm payrolls report is due later on Friday, and the broader Topix index advanced 0.22% to 2,539.68 points, recording a weekly rise of 1.68%.

The three major US stock indices rose significantly on Thursday night, and the Nasdaq index, which is heavily weighted by technology companies, was the most advanced, as investors turned their attention to a series of positive business results.