TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks climbed Wednesday, as export-linked issues were bought on a weaker yen, though a cautious mood prevailed due to uncertainties about the United States' tariff policies.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 246.75 points, or 0.65 percent, from Tuesday at 38,027.29. The broader Topix index finished 15.37 points, or 0.55 percent, higher at 2,812.89.

On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by insurance, nonferrous metal and electric appliance issues.

The U.S. dollar strengthened and traded in the mid-150 yen range in Tokyo, having been bought back following its recent weakness.

At 5 p.m., the dollar fetched 150.40-42 yen compared with 149.87-97 yen in New York and 150.72-73 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The euro was quoted at $ 1.0786-0787 and 162.23-27 yen against 1.0787-0797 and 161.73-83 yen in New York and $1.0787-0789 and 162.59-63 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond ended at 1.580 percent, up 0.005 percentage point from Tuesday's close. It briefly rose to 1.585 percent, its highest level since October 2008, as the debt was sold on a rise in U.S. Treasury yields.

Stocks stayed in positive territory, tracking Wall Street advances, with many investors trying to secure dividend rights before the business year ends on Monday. The yen's further depreciation in the afternoon gave additional support to exporter issues on expectations the currency's weakness will boost overseas profits when repatriated.

The Nikkei was top-heavy above the 38,000 line due to lingering concerns over U.S. trade policy, brokers said.

"The Nikkei's regaining the 38,000 line today is encouraging, but it lacks strong momentum toward 38,500 and higher levels amid uncertainties" over U.S. tariffs, said Asuka Sakamoto, senior economist at Mizuho Research & Technologies Ltd.