TOKYO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks advanced Monday as investors sought bargains following the markets' recent losses and short-covering in exporters was prompted by a weaker yen against the euro.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 63.07 points, or 0.69 percent, from Friday to 9,266.78, meanwhile the broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 5.91 points, or 0.71 percent, to 836.89.
Shares of Japanese consumer lenders jumped Monday following news that strict new regulations on lending may be eased in special deregulated zones in Osaka Prefecture.
The policy may allow higher interest rates for funds to small- to-medium sized businesses and a larger limit on lending to individuals who have the means to pay back unsecured loans, the report in the Mainichi newspaper said.
"The prospect of looser lending restrictions in Osaka is stoking expectations that consumer lenders will once again start to expand," said one local asset manager.
"The yen is taking a breather from its strengthening, and people are buying exporters," she added.
