Tokyo stocks open higher as U.S. shares set positive lead overnight

TOKYO, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher on Thursday following U.S. shares advancing overnight led by technology issues and supported by easing global trading concerns.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 89.29 points, or 0.41 percent, from Wednesday to 21,727.45.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 8.58 points, or 0.54 percent, at 1,588.12.

Pharmaceutical, marine transportation and real estate-linked issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.