Tokyo stocks open higher as weaker yen lifts exporters

Tokyo stocks opened slightly higher Tuesday, as the weakening of the yen against the U.S. dollar prompted buying of some export-oriented auto issues.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 50.78 points, or 0.19 percent, from Monday to 27,484.18. The broader Topix index was up 6.72 points, or 0.34 percent, at 1,989.12.

On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by electric power and gas, precision instrument, and transportation equipment issues.

At 9 a.m., the dollar fetched 130.47-48 yen compared with 130.38-48 yen in New York and 129.59-61 yen in Tokyo...