Tokyo stocks open higher on strong earnings

Tokyo stocks opened higher Tuesday buoyed by Japanese companies that released stronger-than-expected earnings reports and forecasts the previous day.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 142.72 points, or 0.49 percent, from Monday to 29,092.60. The broader Topix index was up 10.35 points, or 0.50 percent, at 2,081.56.

Gainers were led by iron and steel, marine transportation, and insurance shares.

At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 135.07-10 yen compared with 135.09-19 yen in New York and 135.02-04 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0994-0998 and 148.50-58 yen against $1.0999-1009 and 148.64-74 yen in New York and $1.1049-1050 and 149.19-23 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.

© Kyodo News