Tokyo stocks end higher on tech gains

Tokyo stocks ended higher Monday, as stronger heavyweight technology shares supported the market while a weaker yen extended gains.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 1,363.51 points, or 2.08 percent, from Friday at 66,970.22.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 25.68 points, or 0.63 percent, higher at 4,100.61.

On the stock market, a surge in Recruit Holdings after the Tokyo-based technology company released robust earnings on Friday, along with a rise in artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related shares, supported the Nikkei index, analysts said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar strengthened to the mid-158 yen level in Tokyo after falling to the upper 156 yen zone in New York on Friday. The yen's weakness also lifted sentiment in Tokyo stocks, elevating some issues, including automobile shares.

Tokyo stocks end higher on tech gains

China leads the world in direct utilization of geothermal energy, with its geothermal heating and cooling area reaching 1.65 billion square meters, according to the China Geological Survey (CGS) on Sunday.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), the country will focus on three geothermal regions -- north China, northeast China and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, as well as four geothermal belts including the southeastern coastal area, to identify target zones for exploration and development, the CGS said.

Geothermal energy is a stable, low-carbon renewable resource with substantial reserves and high efficiency. China has long maintained the world's leading position in the scale of direct geothermal energy utilization.

China leads world in direct utilization of geothermal energy