Tokyo stocks opened higher Tuesday, supported by buying of semiconductor-related issues following the rise of a key U.S. chip index.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 65.97 points, or 0.17 percent, from Monday to 39,299.68. The broader Topix index was up 4.68 points, or 0.18 percent, at 2,678.30.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by iron and steel, machinery and securities house shares.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 150.53-56 yen compared with 150.65-75 yen in New York and 150.46-47 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0849-0853 and 163.31-40 yen against $1.0845-0855 and 163.45-55 yen in New York, and $1.0832-0833 and 162.98-163.02 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.
