Tokyo stocks opened higher Wednesday, with the Nikkei climbing to a new 33-year high after U.S. data showed slowing inflation, reinforcing the view that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady at its meeting this week.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 309.24 points, or 0.94 percent, from Tuesday to 33,327.89. The broader Topix index was up 20.57 points, or 0.91 percent, at 2,285.36.
Gainers included transportation equipment, iron and steel, and nonferrous metal shares.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 140.15-16 yen compared with 140.19-29 yen in New York and 139.48-50 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0788-0792 and 151.19-26 yen against $1.0788-0798 and 151.23-33 yen in New York, and $1.0799-0800 and 150.63-67 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
