Nikkei ends higher on solid lead from overseas equities, yen's rise caps gains

TOKYO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Friday as investors sentiment was bolstered by U.S. and European equity markets rising overnight, but gains were capped by the yen's appreciation against the U.S. dollar.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 45.68 points, or 0.20 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 22,396.80.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 2.05 points, or 0.12 percent, to finish at 1,763.76.

Rubber product, metal product and insurance-linked stocks comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.