The U.S. dollar climbed to a two-month high near the 159 yen line early Friday in Tokyo after remarks by a Federal Reserve official fueled expectations that U.S. interest rates will remain elevated for longer than expected.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 158.93-94 yen compared with 158.90-159.00 yen in New York and 158.27-28 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0704-0708 and 170.12-19 yen against $1.0697-0707 and 170.03-13 yen in New York and $1.0724-0725 and 169.74-78 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.
Stocks opened higher as investor sentiment was boosted by an overnight rise on the U.S. Dow Jones index following a public holiday.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 61.65 points, or 0.16 percent, from Thursday to 38,694.67. The broader Topix index was up 20.52 points, or 0.75 percent, at 2,746.06.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by marine transportation, insurance and securities house issues.
