Tokyo stocks opened sharply higher Thursday as a weaker yen lifted exporters and semiconductor-linked shares got a boost from a stronger-than-expected earnings outlook by U.S. chip giant Micron Technology Inc.

In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 649.81 points, or 1.72 percent, from Wednesday to 38,520.07. The broader Topix index was up 34.02 points, or 1.28 percent, at 2,684.52.

On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by metal product, miscellaneous product, and electric appliance shares.

At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 144.70-71 yen compared with 144.68-78 yen in New York and 143.89-90 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The euro was quoted at $1.1129-1130 and 161.04-06 yen against $1.1127-1137 and 161.08-18 yen in New York, and $1.1191-1192 and 161.03-07 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.

==Kyodo

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