TOKYO, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday on U.S. shares gaining overnight and reports that Britain and the European Union are close to reaching a post-Brexit trade deal.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 192.76 points, or 0.73 percent, from Wednesday to 26,717.55.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, rose 13.06 points, or 0.74 percent, at 1,778.27.

Mining, marine transportation and iron and steel-oriented issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.