Tokyo stocks open flat amid lack of fresh cues

TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened essentially flat Monday as overseas markets being closed for Easter holidays meant a lack of fresh cues for investors here.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged up 15.12 points, or 0.07 percent, from Friday to 22,215.68.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, shed 0.88 point, or 0.05 percent, at 1,616.05.

Construction and pharmaceutical issues led issues that gained, while metal product and consumer credit-oriented issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.