TOKYO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened essentially flat Friday as investors opted not to take up bold positions ahead of the release of key US jobs data which might offer clues about a possible rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.

(File Photo: VCG)

As of 9:15 am, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged 15.39 points, or 0.07 percent, higher from Thursday to 21,717.84.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 0.77 point, or 0.05 percent, at 1,590.55.

Retail and construction issues led notable gainers, while mining and service-linked issues comprised those that declined the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.