Tokyo stocks were higher in early trading Thursday, as investor sentiment was lifted after the U.S. consumer price index for August came in largely within market expectations, easing concerns about aggressive monetary tightening by the Federal Reserve.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 187.60 points, or 0.57 percent, from Wednesday to 32,894.12. The broader Topix index was up 9.95 points, or 0.42 percent, at 2,388.59.
Gainers included oil and coal product, insurance, and iron and steel shares.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 147.33-34 yen compared with 147.39-49 yen in New York and 147.26-28 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0731-0735 and 158.10-17 yen against $1.0724-0734 and 158.18-28 yen in New York, and $1.0742-0744 and 158.19-23 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
