Tokyo markets end higher as tech shares gain

Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday, led by rises in tech-related shares while investors awaited a speech by US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index added 0.57 per cent, or 162.37 points, to close at 28,641.38, while the broader Topix index rose 0.15 per cent, or 2.99 points, to 1,979.59.

"Traders reacted positively to gains of the US Dow and Nasdaq indexes, and shares related to microchips were snapped up" in Tokyo, Okasan Online Securities said.

Powell will address an annual symposium of global central bankers in Wyoming later on Friday, and is expected to signal that the Fed is not yet ready to end steep rate hikes to quell inflation.

"Expect him to confirm that the task on the inflation fight is not yet done, but any hints for the target level of rates, and sensitivity to risk of overtightening will be closely watched," Taylor Nugent of National Australia Bank said.