Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday, with investor sentiment lifted by news that the U.S. House of Representatives was closing in on approving a deal to raise the country's debt limit.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 116.47 points, or 0.38 percent, from Wednesday to 31,004.35. The broader Topix index was up 11.58 points, or 0.54 percent, at 2,142.21.
Gainers included wholesale trade, transportation equipment, and information and communication issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 139.11-14 yen compared with 139.27-37 yen in New York and 139.74-76 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0692-0696 and 148.74-82 yen against $1.0683-0693 and 148.90-149.00 yen in New York, and $1.0672-0674 and 149.14-18 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
