Tokyo stocks close slightly higher on yen's retreat, U.S. jobs data eyed

TOKYO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed marginally higher Friday as the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar helped lift exporter issues, although many investors took to the sidelines to await the outcome of key U.S. jobs data.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 43.93 points, or 0.20 percent, from Thursday to close the day at 21,746.38.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 2.80 points, or 0.18 percent, to finish at 1,592.58.

Marine transportation, retail and precision instrument-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most by the close of play.