TOKYO: Tokyo stocks were nearly flat in early trading Friday, with investors wary of making bold moves ahead of crucial Chinese economic data expected at the weekend.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 3.76 points, or 0.02 percent, from Thursday to 18,303.38. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was up 1.07 points, or 0.07 percent, to 1,480.59.
Major gainers included financing business and pharmaceuticals, while shipping and insurance issues led decliners.