Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday, lifted by export-related issues after the yen weakened against the U.S. dollar on expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates at an elevated level for a long period.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 149.94 points, or 0.58 percent, from Wednesday to 25,866.80. The broader Topix index was up 3.14 points, or 0.17 percent, at 1,871.29.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by rubber product, transportation equipment, and electric appliance issues.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 132.24-27 yen compared with 132.57-67 yen in New York and 130.24-26 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0604-0608 and 140.23-29 yen against $1.0600-0610 and 140.68-78 yen in New York, and $1.0594-0595 and 137.98-138.02 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
