TOKYO, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday, as soft U.S. inflation data dented expectations of an imminent U.S. rate hike.

This photo taken on May 24, 2023 shows the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo, Japan. (File photo: Xinhua)

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 405.21 points, or 0.59 percent, from Thursday at 68,713.80.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 21.16 points, or 0.51 percent, higher at 4,197.20.

The recent release of several U.S. economic indicators for July, including the consumer price index and nonfarm payrolls, eased speculation about a Federal Reserve rate hike, lifting investor sentiment on the Tokyo stock market, analysts said.