TOKYO, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Monday, tracking Wall Street's solid lead late last weak after the release of upbeat housing starts data for December.

As of 9:15 a.m., the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 55.26 points, or 0.23 percent, from Friday to 24,096.52.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, added 9.34 points, or 0.54 percent, at 1,744.78.

The majority of industry categories advanced into positive territory, with iron and steel, and air and marine transportation-linked issues comprising those that gained the most in the opening minutes after the morning bell.