Tokyo stocks opened mixed Wednesday, as selling of semiconductor-related issues following the fall of a key U.S. chip index was offset by buying of shares in Japanese companies that reported robust earnings the previous day.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 211.71 points, or 0.59 percent, from Tuesday to 35,948.95. The broader Topix index was up 3.02 points, or 0.12 percent, at 2,542.27.
On the top-tier Prime Market, decliners were led by machinery and electric appliance issues, while transportation equipment and wholesale trade issues led gainers.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 147.82-83 yen compared with 147.90-148.00 yen in New York and 148.51-53 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0755-0759 and 158.98-159.05 yen against $1.0750-0760 and 158.96-159.06 yen in New York and $1.0752-0753 and 159.68-72 yen in Tokyo late Tuesday afternoon.
