Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday, supported by the overnight rise of the U.S. Dow Jones index, but gains were limited as investors mostly took to the sidelines ahead of more earnings reports from major Japanese companies.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 69.63 points, or 0.18 percent, from Wednesday to 38,272.00. The broader Topix index was up 9.31 points, or 0.34 percent, at 2,715.74.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by insurance, bank, and glass and ceramic product issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 155.38-39 yen compared with 155.52-62 yen in New York and 155.32-34 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0745-0749 and 166.96-167.03 yen against $1.0743-0753 and 167.16-26 yen in New York and $1.0738-0739 and 166.79-83 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
