Tokyo stocks advance in morning as exporters lifted by weaker yen

TOKYO, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks advanced Friday morning with a weak yen versus the U.S. dollar lifting exporter issues higher, while potentially easing global trade issues added to an upbeat mood.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 57.74 points, or 0.25 percent, from Thursday to 22,896.11.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 4.64 points, or 0.26 percent, to 1,813.01.

Oil and coal product, mining and marine transportation issues comprised those that gained the most by the morning break.