Tokyo stocks open higher on Wall Street's upbeat lead, yen's retreat

TOKYO, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Friday after Wall Street set a positive lead overnight, with the market mood further buoyed by the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar giving exporter issues a boost.

As of 9:15. a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 148.39 points, or 0.67 percent, from Thursday to 22,238.51.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 7.94 points, or 0.49 percent, at 1,622.91.

Chemical, marine transportation and electric appliance-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.