Tokyo stocks advance in morning

TOKYO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks advanced Friday morning.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 272.65 points, or 1.34 percent, from Thursday to 20,674.92.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 17.72 points, or 1.15 percent, at 1,560.92.

All industry categories advanced into positive territory, with marine transportation, construction, and farm and fishery-linked issues comprising those that gained the most by the morning break.