Tokyo stocks close higher on expected central banks ETF fund buying

TOKYO, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo's stocks closed marginally higher in thin trading on Monday on expectations the Bank of Japan (BOJ) would purchase exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 36.42 points, or 0.16 percent, from Friday to close the day at 22,939.18, marking its highest close since Dec. 11.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, finished 2.85 points, or 0.16 percent, higher to finish at 1,831.93.

Oil and coal product, chemical and metal product-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.