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

TOKYO, April 13 (Reuters) - 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 percent higher to 21,778.74. For the week, the index added 1.0 percent, 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 percent and insurer T&D Holdings soared 2.0 percent.

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

The broader Topix gained 0.6 percent to 1,729.36.