TOKYO: Tokyo stocks opened 0.44 percent higher on Tuesday, rebounding from the previous day´s drop as the yen´s rise against the dollar took a breather.

The Nikkei 225 index, which fell 0.59 percent on Monday, was up 69.21 points to 15,710.89 at the start.

Shares in Nintendo, which ended Monday down 6.14 percent due to the game giant´s loss warning, fell another 2.0 percent to 13,470 yen in the first 15 minutes of trading.

There was no trading cue from Wall Street as US markets were closed Monday for a public holiday.

The yen edged down against other major currencies early Tuesday, with the dollar trading at 104.34 yen against 104.10 yen in London late Monday.

The euro firmed to 141.32 yen from 141.19 yen, while slipping to $1.3542 from $1.3563.

"Earnings from major US corporates are being eyed for a slowdown in growth, as a great deal (of) optimism is already baked into prices," said SMBC Nikko Securities general manager of equities Hiroichi Nishi.Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is also on watch for any changes or announcements regarding its super-easy monetary policy, he said.

The central bank is to start a two-day policy meeting on Tuesday.

SOURCE: AFP