Tokyo stocks open mixed on Middle East tensions, firm tech shares

TOKYO (Kyodo) — Tokyo stocks opened mixed Friday as selling on concern over intensifying tensions in the Middle East was offset by buying of heavyweight technology shares.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 105.39 points, or 0.27 percent, from Thursday to 38,593.73. The broader Topix index was down 0.30 point, or 0.01 percent, at 2,791.78.

On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by pulp and paper, and securities house issues, while farm and fishery, and electric power and gas shares were the main decliners.

At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 145.22-26 yen compared with 145.68-73 yen at 4 p.m. in London and 145.39-41 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The euro was quoted at $1.1510-1513 and 167.17-20 yen against $1.1461-1462 and 166.64-68 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.

U.S. markets were closed Thursday for a public holiday.