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TOKYO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The benchmark Nikkei stock index opened higher Monday recouping some losses recently, although continued concerns about the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic capped gains.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 90.46 points, or 0.55 percent, from Thursday to 16,643.29.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, shed 0.18 point, or 0.01 percent, at 1,283.04.

Mining and pharmaceutical issues led notable gainers, while air transportation and transportation equipment issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.