Tokyo stocks open flat as U.S. shares' weak tone triggers circumspect mood

TOKYO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened flat Thursday as a continued slump in crude oil prices saw U.S. shares set a weak tone overnight, leaving investors here in a circumspect mood.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged up 8.57 points, or 0.04 percent, from Wednesday to 20,147.36.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, inched 1.10 points, or 0.07 percent higher, to 1,612.66.

Rubber product and precision instrument issues comprised those that gained the most in early trade. Mining and insurance issues led those that declined.