Tokyo - Japan's markets gained ground slightly on Monday after initially shedding value in weak trading toward year's end.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average index rose 7.65 points, or 0.09 per cent to close at 8,747.17.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues rose 8.18 points, or 0.96 per cent to close at 854.77.

On currency markets at midday (0300 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 90.56-61 yen, up from Friday's 5 pm quote of 90.50-53 yen.

The euro was quoted at 1.4141-46 dollars, compared to 1.4058-61 dollars late Friday, and at 128.06-11 yen, up from 127.25-29 yen. (dpa)