Tokyo stocks advance in early trading as weak yen gives exporters a boost

Tokyo stocks advanced in early trading Tuesday as investor sentiment was lifted by the U.S. dollar's rise against the yen, which in turn buoyed exporter issues.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 121.31 points, or 0.61 percent, from Monday to 19,868.78, while the broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange gained 10.31 points, or 0.65 percent, to 1,590.56.

Early advancers comprised utilities, iron and steel and machinery-linked shares. Enditem