Tokyo stocks close higher on hopes for solid domestic earnings, bargain hunting

TOKYO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday on bargain hunting and hopes for robust earnings reports from Japanese companies next week, although concerns a U.S. budget issue could shut down the U.S. government, saw gains checked.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 44.69 points, or 0.19 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 23,808.06.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 12.88 points, or 0.69 percent, to finish at 1,889.74.

Oil and coal product, construction, and iron and steel-linked issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.