Tokyo stocks opened almost flat Thursday, as a firming yen offset growing optimism that the U.S. Federal Reserve may shift to a softer stance on monetary policy.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 2.42 points, or 0.01 percent, from Wednesday to 26,448.42. The broader Topix index was up 1.31 points, or 0.07 percent, at 1,902.56.
On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by bank, nonferrous metal, and mining issues. Decliners included electric power and gas, marine transportation, and land transportation shares.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 131.90-91 yen compared with 132.45-55 yen in New York and 132.41-43 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0765-0766 and 141.98-142.04 yen against $1.0752-0762 and 142.46-56 yen in New York and $1.0746-0748 and 142.29-33 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
