Tokyo stocks opened higher Monday, buoyed by speculation that the U.S. Federal Reserve may pause its interest rate increases.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 39.81 points, or 0.12 percent, from Friday to 32,750.43. The broader Topix index was up 6.78 points, or 0.29 percent, at 2,356.53.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by marine transportation, transportation equipment and mining issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 146.06-07 yen compared with 146.21-31 yen in New York and 145.41-43 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0774-0778 and 157.37-43 yen against $1.0768-0778 and 157.52-62 yen in New York and $1.0855-0857 and 157.85-89 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
