Tokyo stocks flat in morning as buying on oil prices rise offset by profit taking

TOKYO, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks were essentially flat Thursday morning as buying prompted by a rise in crude oil prices was offset by investors opting to lock in gains following the market's recent gains.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average inched up 7.80 points, or 0.04 percent, from Wednesday to 19,873.62.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged 1.07 points, or 0.07 percent higher, to 1,638.40.

Mining, oil and coal product issues comprised those that gained the most by the morning break, whereas marine transportation and nonferrous metal issues led those that declined.