Tokyo stocks open slightly higher on weak yen

Tokyo stocks opened slightly higher Friday, lifted by buying of export-related issues after the yen weakened against the U.S. dollar.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 66.01 points, or 0.24 percent, from Thursday to 27,996.58. The broader Topix index was up 7.79 points, or 0.40 percent, at 1,974.07.

On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by insurance, transportation equipment, and textile and apparel issues.

At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 140.41-42 yen compared with 140.13-23 yen in New York and 139.32-33 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0361-0362 and 145.48-50 yen against $1.0360-0370 and 145.25-35 yen in New York, and $1.0392-0393 and 144.79-83 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.

© Kyodo News