Japanese Stocks Rise Supported by Technology Shares

Japanese stocks ended higher Wednesday for the third straight day on buying of technology shares. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 373.71 points, or 0.96 percent, from Tuesday at 39,277.39. The broader Topix index finished 21.70 points, or 0.81 percent, higher at 2,703.72. The US dollar fetched 153.25 yen compared with 143.70 yen in Oct. 1. Chip-related shares rose, with Disco surging 11.21 percent and Lasertec up 4.38 percent. Chip-testing equipment maker Advantest rose 3.43 percent to provide the biggest boost to the Nikkei. Source: Qatar News Agency