Tokyo stocks open higher on Wall Street's positive lead

TOKYO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Monday as Wall Street's continued rally at the end of last week brightened the market mood.

As of 9:15 am., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 260.28 points, or 1.20 percent, from Friday to 21,980.53.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 23.21 points, or 1.34 percent, to 1,760.58.

Consumer finance, bank and real estate-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.