TOKYO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened sharply higher on Tuesday, as investor sentiment boosted after a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc showed up to 90 percent efficacy in late-stage trials.
As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average increased 476.84 points, or 1.87 percent, from Friday to 26,004.21.
The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 32.02 points, or 1.85 percent, at 1,759.41. Japanese markets were closed Monday due to a national holiday.
Metal product, iron and steel and securities house issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.