TOKYO, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan's key stock index extended gains on Monday, fueled by continued global stock market strength and optimism over a potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut in September.

The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, went up 336.00 points, or 0.77 percent, at 43,714.31,

The rise was fueled by continued global stock market strength, particularly in the U.S., as commodity trading advisors (CTAs) followed the bullish trend.

Optimism over a potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut in September and easing concerns about corporate earnings further supported the advance.

The broader Topix index finished up 13.28 points, or 0.43 percent, at 3,120.96.

On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, 1,130 gained, 443 declined, and 48 were unchanged. ■