TOKYO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Japan's stock market ended slightly higher on Monday as the country's economic data for the fourth quarter of 2024 exceeded market expectations, boosting financial stocks such as banks and insurance companies.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 39,174.25, up 24.82 points, or 0.06 percent from the previous day.

Data released on Monday showed Japan's real gross domestic product (GDP), adjusted for inflation and seasonal factors, expanded 2.8 percent on an annualized basis in the fourth quarter.

The better-than-expected performance led to a rise in domestic long-term interest rates, which boosted financial stocks. However, the strengthening of the yen against the dollar weighed on auto stocks, resulting in a lack of clear market direction.

The Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) also rose, closing 7.69 points, or 0.28 percent higher at 2,766.90.

On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, advancing stocks numbered 589, while 1,000 declined and 51 remained unchanged. Enditem

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