Tokyo stocks rise in morning as worries over US tariffs ease

This file photo shows the Tokyo Stock Exchange. (Mainichi)

TO\KYO (Kyodo) — Tokyo stocks rose Friday morning, as concern over U.S. tariffs eased after Japan and the United States agreed to seek a speedy resolution following their first negotiation earlier this week.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 205.69 points, or 0.60 percent, from Thursday to 34,583.29. The broader Topix index was up 20.11 points, or 0.79 percent, at 2,550.34.

The U.S. dollar was little changed in the lower 142 yen range in Tokyo, as many participants stayed on the sidelines ahead of the Easter holidays overseas, dealers said.

At noon, the dollar fetched 142.31-32 yen compared with 142.29-39 yen in New York and 142.89-91 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The euro was quoted at $1.1372-1373 and 161.82-87 yen against $1.1356-1366 and 161.91-162.01 yen in New York and $1.1376-1377 and 162.56-60 yen in Tokyo late Thursday afternoon.

Stocks were initially pressured by the selling of semiconductor-related issues after overnight losses by their U.S. counterparts.

But the market was later lifted by optimism the United States could move to reduce hefty tariffs imposed on Japan as bilateral negotiations progress, brokers said.