Tokyo stocks rise sharply as U.S., Iran sign MoU

Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, with the Nikkei stock index closing above 71,000 for the first time.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 1,151.24 points, or 1.65 percent, from Wednesday at 71,053.49, after hitting a record intraday high of 71,398.58.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 54.95 points, or 1.37 percent, higher at 4,068.18, also marking both record intraday and closing highs.

Tokyo stocks rallied after U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their countries' conflict, analysts said.

The benchmark Nikkei was also lifted by technology issues following rises in U.S. semiconductor-related shares.

Tokyo stocks rise sharply as U.S., Iran sign MoU

Hong Kong's stock market ended lower Thursday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index down 1.59 percent to close at 23,924.81 points.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index fell 2.06 percent to end at 7,976.04 points, and the Hang Seng Tech Index fell 1.39 percent to end at 4,604.35 points.

Hong Kong stocks close 1.59 pct lower