Tokyo stocks were broadly higher in early trading Tuesday as major U.S. stock indexes' rise to fresh record highs lifted sentiment.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 184.73 points, or 0.79 percent, from Monday to 23,477.54. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 10.15 points, or 0.60 percent, at 1,713.11.

Nearly all industrial categories gained, led by marine transportation, electric appliance and iron and steel issues.

Hitachi Chemical was sharply higher following reports that its parent Hitachi is in talks to sell its 51 percent stake in the chemical unit to Showa Denko.

==Kyodo

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