TOKYO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve indicated it would maintain its monetary easing policy and keep its interest rate near zero through the end of 2023.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average added 423.20 points, or 1.41 percent, from Wednesday to 30,337.53.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, rose 17.67 points, or 0.89 percent, at 2,001.70.

Electric appliance, construction and marine transportation issues comprised those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell. Enditem