Japanese stocks climb; dollar down

Japanese stocks rose Friday for a fourth straight session, climbing to their highest in nearly a month, led by autos, banking and oil issues.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index added 61.41 points, or 0.35 percent, to finish at 17,480.61 points on the Tokyo Stock Exchange — its highest since Feb. 28. The index now has risen 4.4 percent over the past four trading sessions, including a 1.5 percent gain Thursday.

Traders said exporters like autos moved higher amid relative stability in dollar-yen trading, while commodity-related stocks like oils advanced after a rise in oil prices.

Gainers included Toyota Motor Corp., which rose 0.51 percent to 7,840 yen ($66.44) and Nippon Oil Corp., which posted a 1.17 percent to 948 yen ($8.03). Banks also advanced, with Mizuho Financial Group Inc. rising 1.30 percent to 782,000 yen ($6,627.12).

Oil prices continued to rise Friday as Asian traders reacted to signs that U.S. refineries have begun to increase production and other positive market signs.

The broader Topix index, which includes all shares on the exchange's first section, rose 10.14 points, or 0.59 percent, to 1,741.94. The Topix rose 1.38 percent, the previous day.

In currency dealings, the U.S. dollar was trading at 118.14 yen at 2:50 p.m. Friday, down from 118.15 yen late Thursday in New York. The euro fell to $1.3330 from $1.33834.