TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Thursday morning on firm chip issues that tracked overnight gains by their U.S. counterparts after U.S. data eased concerns over an acceleration of inflation in the world's largest economy.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 354.73 points, or 0.96 percent, from Wednesday to 37,173.82. The broader Topix index was up 23.72 points, or 0.88 percent, at 2,718.63.

The U.S. dollar was little changed in the lower 148 yen zone in Tokyo amid few trading cues.

At noon, the dollar fetched 148.17-18 yen compared with 148.18-28 yen in New York and 148.59-60 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0894-0897 and 161.42-47 yen against $1.0883-0893 and 161.44-54 yen in New York and $1.0900-0901 and 161.97-162.01 yen in Tokyo late Wednesday afternoon.

Stocks climbed as buying of heavyweight semiconductor-related issues was spurred by a rise in the Nasdaq index after the U.S. consumer price index for February landed below market projections.

However, gains were capped by some auto issues amid persistent concerns over trade friction after the United States placed 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports on Wednesday, brokers said.