TOKYO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks advanced straight from the bell on Wednesday as a strong showing on Wall Street overnight set a positive market mood and a comparatively weak yen against the U.S. dollar gave exporters here a boost.
As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 209.97 points, or 1.09 percent, from Tuesday to 19,448.95.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 15.87 points, or 1.03 percent, to 1,554.99.
The majority of industry categories on the main section advanced into positive territory, with iron and steel, insurance and bank issues leading stocks that rose the most in early trade.
