Nikkei rises helped by financials; posts 3rd week of gains

TOKYO: Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Friday as suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump that a military strike on Syria may not be imminent supported investor sentiment and higher U.S. bond yields helped financial stocks.

The Nikkei ended 0.6 per cent higher to 21,778.74. For the week, the index added 1.0 per cent, posting a third straight week of gains.

Trump said in a tweet on Thursday that a possible attack on Syria could occur "very soon or not so soon at all," easing fears of confrontation with Russia.

Financial stocks outperformed on the back of rising U.S. yields. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group surged 2.5 per cent and insurer T&D Holdings soared 2.0 per cent.

Electronic components makers and chip equipment makers also gained ground, with TDK Corp jumping 3.3 per cent, Advantest Corp soaring 2.1 per cent and Alps Electric surging 3.7 per cent.

The broader Topix gained 0.6 per cent to 1,729.36.