Tokyo stocks were mixed in early trading Thursday, as buying boosted by U.S. data showing cooling inflation was offset by selling of exporter issues on the back of a stronger yen.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 223.19 points, or 0.57 percent, from Wednesday to 39,099.90. The broader Topix index was down 2.54 points, or 0.09 percent, at 2,753.90.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by machinery, service, and oil and coal product shares. The main decliners were insurance, electric power and gas, and marine transportation shares.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 156.79-82 yen compared with 156.65-75 yen in New York and 157.26-28 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0812-0813 and 169.51-60 yen against $1.0803-0813 and 169.34-44 yen in New York, and $1.0744-0746 and 168.97-169.01 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
