Tokyo: Stocks open at 18-year high

[TOKYO] Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index opened 0.38 per cent higher Wednesday on investor confidence in a Greek debt deal, hitting its highest level in more than 18 years.

The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, which closed at a 15-year high on Tuesday, added 79.90 points at the start to 20,889.32, reaching its best level since late 1996.

Investor sentiment was buoyed by signs of a possible breakthrough in the five-month stalemate over getting new funding to the near-broke government in Athens.

On Wall Street the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.13 per cent Tuesday.

The euro bought US$1.1177 and 138.43 yen early Wednesday compared with US$1.1168 and 138.36 yen in New York late Tuesday.

The dollar was at 123.87 yen against 123.89 yen.

AFP