Nikkei opens higher after record Dow Jones finish

Tokyo's blue-chip shares traded higher shortly after the open Tuesday following another record finish for the Dow, as Washington accelerates its vaccination programme, fuelling hopes for further economic recovery.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.17 per cent, or 48.62 points, to 29,433.14 in early trade, while the broader Topix index fell 0.70 per cent, or 14.05 points, to 1,979.29.