Tokyo stocks ends higher 0.11%

Tokyo stocks "Nikkei" closed the morning session slightly higher Thursday in response overnight gains in overseas markets and a pause in the yen's rise, but the market trimmed early gains ahead of the Bank of Japan's policy board meeting. The Nikkei Stock Average finished at 9,571.57, up 10.56 points, or 0.11%. Overnight gains for European and U.S. stocks carried over into the Tokyo market, helping lift a broad range of issues, including automakers, banks and electronics makers. A pause in the yen's advance also encouraged investors to buy shares, but many stayed on the sidelines a day before the Bank of Japan's policy board meeting. The benchmark Nikkei index pared its gains toward the end of morning trade. Shortly after 10 a.m., Ichiro Ozawa, former leader of the Democratic Party of Japan, was found not guilty of misreporting political funds received from a support group. Investors are worried the ruling could make it more difficult to raise the consumption tax -- which many Ozawa supporters oppose -- putting downward pressure on the yen. After the ruling, the Nikkei average slightly widened its gains, led by futures. The index came under profit-taking pressure after reaching its morning high, keeping investors from chasing stocks higher. The Topix index of all first section issues also advanced.