Tokyo stocks rise in morning on eased concerns after first round of French elections

TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks rose Monday morning after the outcome of the first round of the French presidential election eased concerns about the country leaving the European Union.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 249.49 points, or 1.34 percent, from Friday to 18,870.24.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange advanced 15.24 points, or 1.02 percent, to 1,503.82.

Bank, land transportation and nonferrous metal issues comprised those that gained the most by the morning break.