Nikkei closes near 7-year high amid choppy trade

The index has soared 11.7% since BOJ's shock easing

Japanese stocks gained on Friday to close near a seven-year intraday high amid choppy trade ahead of Monday's third quarter GDP figures.

The Nikkei advanced 0.6% to 17,490.83, its fourth consecutive day of gains. For the week, the average has added 3.6% and since the Bank of Japan's shock easing on Oct 31 it has soared 11.7%.

Sekisui House was the star performer, adding 6.2% after it raised its earnings forecast and announced a share buyback. Investors also bought exporters such as Honda and Canon on the back of a weakening yen.

The broader Topix advanced 0.8% to 1,400.41, while the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 added 0.8% to 12,790.16.