Nikkei hits four-week closing high, BOJ easing hopes hurt yen

TOKYO - Japan's Nikkei share average roseto a four-week closing high on Thursday, lifted by exporters asthe yen fell on growing expectations that the Bank of Japan would further ease monetary policy next week.

The Nikkei climbed 1.1 percent to 9,055.20, breaking above its 5-day moving average at 9,007.43.

The broader Topix index advanced 1.1 percent to751.42.