The U.S. dollar was firmer in the upper 133 yen range early Thursday in Tokyo after briefly rising to a six-week high overnight in New York.
At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 133.89-92 yen compared with 134.11-21 yen in New York and 133.32-34 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The U.S. currency jumped to 134.36 yen, its highest level since Jan. 6, overnight on better-than-expected U.S. January retail sales data. Market players were concerned that the strong data could prompt the Federal Reserve to continue raising interest rates for a prolonged period.
The euro was quoted at $1.0691-0692 and 143.13-21 yen against $1.0682-0692 and 143.30-40 yen in New York, and $1.0709-0710 and 142.78-82 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.
Tokyo stocks opened higher, lifted by export-related issues amid the weaker tone of the yen.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 190.30 points, or 0.69 percent, from Wednesday to 27,692.16. The broader Topix index was up 11.49 points, or 0.58 percent, at 1,999.23.
Gainers were led by iron and steel, machinery, and transportation equipment issues.
