Japan stocks rise on rate cut and yen, exporters up

TOKYO, Nov 1 (Reuters) Japan's Nikkei opened up by 0.45 percent on Thursday, buoyed by a U.S. interest rate cut and weaker yen, with exporters such as Sony Corp helping lead the market higher.

Surging oil prices were seen taking energy-linked stocks such as Inpex Holdings Inc higher, with trading houses also expected to post gains.

At 0004 GMT, the benchmark Nikkei average was up 0.53 percent, or 88.21 points, at 16,825.84. The broader TOPIX index was up 0.74 percent or 11.98 points at 1,632.01.

Reuters BJR VP0627