Yen weak in 147 zone vs. dollar in Tokyo after hitting 32-year low

The yen remained weak mostly in the lower 147 zone against the U.S. dollar in Tokyo on Friday after hitting a 32-year low overnight as U.S. inflation data strengthened prospects for aggressive interest rate hikes in the world's largest economy.

Tokyo stocks ended sharply higher, with the benchmark Nikkei index rising over 3 percent, on bargain-hunting following four straight days of losses and the buying of exporter-related shares due to the weak yen.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 853.34 points, or 3.25 percent, from Thursday at 27,090.76. The broader Topix index finished 43.58 points, or 2.35 percent, higher at 1,898.19.

On the top-tier Prime Market, every industry category advanced, with gainers led by precision instrument, pharmaceutical, and consumer credit issues.

© Kyodo News