Tokyo stocks end higher on tech heavyweight gains: analyst

Japan's benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended higher on Monday with share prices of tech heavyweight rising following gains of U.S. semiconductor stocks, said Timothy Pope, a market analyst for China Global Television Network (CGTN).

The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 1,378.90 points, or 2.12 percent, from Friday at 66,399.84.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 22.57 points, or 0.55 percent, higher at 4,125.80.

The benchmark Nikkei index rose over 2 percent, tracking gains in U.S. semiconductor shares late last week after a report that U.S. tech giant Micron Technology Inc. will increase its memory chip production capacity.

"In Japan, the Nikkei 225 was up sharply today following gains for U.S. semiconductor shares, which lifted Tokyo's own tech heavyweights. The Nikkei ended 2.1 percent higher, with Advantest and Tokyo Electron each adding more than 4 percent and SoftBank [Group] locked in another double-digit jump, gaining more than 11 percent," said Pope.

Pope said Japan is due to release its revised second-quarter GDP numbers this week, and he is expecting the data to send positive signals to investors.

"For the rest of the week, look out for Japan's revised second-quarter GDP numbers. They are due for release tomorrow. We have some recent corporate investment data, which has been stronger-than-expected, so there's some scope for the initial growth estimate to be revised higher," said Pope.

Tokyo stocks end higher on tech heavyweight gains: analyst

Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday to coordinate relief efforts and assist communities affected by a powerful earthquake that struck the country Friday.

The 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Panama at 12:56 local time Friday, with its epicenter about 39 km northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province, damaging homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings across several parts of the country.

The quake has left 27 people injured as of present, according to Panama's National Civil Protection System.

Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac told a press conference at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies remain on standby and have the resources needed to assist those affected.

Orillac said President Jose Raul Mulino had ordered the creation of a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities.

The government has also set up donation collection centers, including one at Omar Park in Panama City, while provincial government offices will serve as additional collection points, he said.

Panamanian authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts.

Panama declares state of emergency after powerful quake