Tokyo stocks open higher on bargain hunting, hopes for earnings

TOKYO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher on Friday as investors snapped up bargains following shares retreating over the past two days with the market supported by hopes for solid results from Japanese firms when earnings season swings into gear next week.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 65.87 points, or 0.28 percent, from Thursday to 23,829.24.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 8.80 points, or 0.47 percent, to 1,885.66.

Construction, air transportation and retail-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.