Tokyo stocks opened higher Wednesday as the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar lifted the market mood, which itself was underscored by further indications of a near-term rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 146.65 points, or 0.88 percent, from Tuesday to 16,872.01.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 11.63 points, or 0.89 percent, to 1,324.44.

Early issues that advanced comprised banking, transportation equipment and insurance-related stocks.

Source : XINHUA