The Nikkei stock index on Monday expanded 19 percent from a year earlier, ending at its highest level on record on the back of solid company earnings and a weaker yen boosting export-oriented issues.

Stocks fell on the final trading day of the year, however, with the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ending down 386.62 points, or 0.96 percent, from Friday at 39,894.54. The broader Topix index finished 16.76 points, or 0.60 percent, lower at 2,784.92.

Japanese financial markets will be closed from Tuesday through Sunday for the New Year holidays.

Source : mainichi.jp