Tokyo stocks extend gains on weak yen

TOKYO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks extended gains on Thursday, renewing a record high as market sentiment was supported by yen weakness and dividend-driven buying.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed up 124.62 points, or 0.27 percent, at 45,754.93.

Although profit-taking weighed on the market in the morning, investor appetite for equities remained firm, with export-related stocks and semiconductors leading the advance.

The yen slipped into the upper 148 range against the U.S. dollar, prompting buying in automakers such as Toyota and Honda.

The broader Topix gained 14.90 points, or 0.47 percent, to close at 3,185.35.

On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, gainers numbered 1,030, losers 513, and 74 were unchanged. Enditem