Tokyo stocks opened sharply lower Monday, as selling was spurred by fears of global economic instability from the intensifying conflict in the Middle East as well as the weakness of U.S. high-tech issues late last week.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 513.01 points, or 1.59 percent, from Friday to 31,802.98. The broader Topix index was down 26.06 points, or 1.13 percent, at 2,282.69.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by machinery, electric appliance and air transportation issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 149.56-57 yen compared with 149.50-60 yen in New York and 149.64-67 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Friday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0522-0523 and 157.37-39 yen against $1.0506-0516 and 157.12-22 yen in New York, and $1.0551-0552 and 157.90-94 yen in Tokyo late Friday afternoon.
