Tokyo stocks edge up on weaker yen

TOKYO - Japanese shares inched higher in Friday morning trading as some export-oriented issues were boosted by a weaker yen.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 9.02 points, or 0.09 percent, to trade at 10,088.78. The broader Topix index was up 0.71 points, or 0.08 percent, at 870.52.

The Japanese currency fell against the dollar and the euro in the morning, but the Nikkei did not advance further as investors had few fresh cues with the US financial markets closed Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

On currency markets at 11 a.m. (0200 GMT), the dollar traded at 83.80-85 yen, up from Thursday’s 5 p.m. quote of 83.50-51 yen.

The euro traded at $1.3331-3334, flat from $1.3332-3333 Thursday, and at 111.72-76 yen, up from 111.32-36 yen.

A weaker yen makes Japanese goods more competitive abroad and improves overseas earnings when the revenues are repatriated.