Tokyo stocks open higher as weak yen lifts exports, semiconductors advance

TOKYO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher on Wednesday with the yen's weakness against the U.S. dollar giving exporters a lift, while semiconductor issues also advanced.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 326.94 points, or 1.40 percent, from Tuesday to 23,747.48.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 20.54 points, or 1.17 percent, to 1,780.42.

Insurance, machinery, and oil and coal product-linked issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes from the opening bell.