Tokyo stocks rise as oil retreats on Middle East relief

TOKYO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index gaining over 3 percent, as oil prices fell on easing concerns over the Middle East conflict.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 1,879.73 points, or 3.14 percent, from Wednesday at 61,684.14, snapping a five-day losing streak.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 62.16 points, or 1.64 percent, higher at 3,853.81.

The benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures fell below 100 U.S. dollars per barrel after U.S. President Donald Trump said that a deal with Iran was in "the final stages," easing inflation concerns and prompting buying of stocks, analysts said.

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