File photo: VCG

TOKYO, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened essentially flat on Friday as the market mood was cautious ahead of US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech later in the day, with investors awaiting clues about further possible rate cuts by the Fed.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged up 19.18 points, or 0.09 percent, from Thursday to 20,647.19.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, gained 2.14 points, or 0.14 percent, at 1,500.20.

Marine transportation, and iron and steel issues led notable gainers, while precision instrument and mining-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.