Tokyo stocks flat in morning as U.S. optimism offset by profit-taking

TOKYO, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks remained almost flat on Wednesday morning as hopes for the U.S. economy following solid June retail data were offset by profit-taking following the market's strong close Tuesday.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 3.46 points, or 0.02 percent, from Tuesday to 19,756.77.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged up 1.33 points, or 0.08 percent, to 1,617.54.

Oil and coal product, and land transportation-linked issues comprised those that gained the most. While construction and real estate issues led decliners by the morning break.