Tokyo, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday following Wall Street’s rally overnight amid hopes companies developing novel coronavirus vaccines may be granted early approval if they show outstanding results in clinical trials.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 309.66 points, or 1.33 percent, from Wednesday to 23,556.81.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 14.73 points, or 0.91 percent, at 1,638.13.

Metal product, nonferrous metal and real estate-linked issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.