Tokyo stocks slightly higher in morning on firm bank issues

Tokyo stocks rose slightly Tuesday morning, supported by firm bank issues following increased dividend payments, although gains were trimmed by a sell-off in Nikkei heavyweight Recruit Holdings on weaker-than-expected earnings.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 31.21 points, or 0.11 percent, from Monday to 27,994.68. The broader Topix index was up 6.54 points, or 0.33 percent, at 1,963.44.

On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by bank, pharmaceutical, and nonferrous metal issues.

© Kyodo News