Tokyo stocks inch up as investors secure dividends

Japanese stocks crept higher Tuesday morning on buying before shares for the fiscal first half through this month turn ex-dividend, with buying supported by the yen's softer tone.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 39.98 points, or 0.17 per cent, from Friday to 23,909.91.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 11.89 points, or 0.66 per cent, at 1,815.91, reports Xinhua.

Metal product, chemical and service-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most by the morning break.

Financial markets here were closed on Monday for a national holiday.